OCOEE, Fla. – As pickleball continues its rapid rise in popularity across Central Florida, Ocoee city leaders are set to decide Tuesday whether to move forward with a proposal for a large new pickleball complex that has drawn both enthusiasm and concern from nearby residents.
The proposed pickleball facility would be built off Jacob Nathan Boulevard on what is currently a wooded site. Plans call for 25 indoor pickleball courts across multiple buildings, an outdoor championship court with shaded seating, a restaurant, banquet hall, and outdoor gathering space. The project also includes amenities such as locker rooms, a pro shop, office space, and parking areas.
Supporters say the complex could attract tournaments, visitors, and new business opportunities to Ocoee.
“I think it could bring people here, which would drive up local business, so it could be great,” said Ocoee resident Brandon Kari.
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The proposal comes as pickleball courts continue to appear in communities across Central Florida, including Sanford and Hamlin, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity nationwide.
The project would be built on a wooded site adjacent to an existing neighborhood, where some residents have expressed concerns about how the development could affect their quality of life.
Among the issues raised are increased traffic, noise and the overall size of the project.
“I don’t think we need the noise,” one nearby resident said.
City officials say they have already modified the proposal to address those concerns by moving most of the courts indoors, a change intended to reduce the sound that often accompanies pickleball play.
Even so, some neighbors remain uneasy.
“We don’t know who goes to pickleball. We don’t know the kind of people,” another resident said. “So we would like to keep our neighborhood safe.”
Others believe the complex would provide valuable recreational opportunities for families.
“We’re all about recreation and sports, so we are all for it,” Kari said. “I think it would be a great place for recreation and a great place for our kids to hang out and have fun with my wife and I.”
If approved, the proposal would allow the developer to move forward with seeking permits to begin site work. City leaders are expected to vote on the project Tuesday evening.