Luther Burbank Park Sport Courts Renovation
The tennis courts at Luther Burbank Park were constructed in 1972 below grade and on top of a dense silt/clay subgrade. The subgrade has settled over the last 50 years, and the court surface has become wavy, affecting recreational play. Tree root intrusions also created extensive cracking in the asphalt surface, which was fixed with temporary patching in 2018.
The 2022 PROS Plan identified the Luther Burbank courts as a preferred location for pickleball court design, and a capital project to renovate the courts was included in the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Program. The City also received grant funding through the King County Parks Capital and Open Space program to support this capital.
Construction started in May 2024 and included removing the existing subgrade and asphalt; paving new asphalt; and installing temporary court markings, new pickleball nets, and facility fencing. The courts are open for play on a first-come, first-served basis, and temporary rules are posted on-site as well as on the City website.
FieldTurf, the City's contractor for this project, will return in 2025 to complete other items, including installing permanent acrylic court surfacing. Stay tuned to Let's Talk for updates on construction closures and other details.
Construction Progress
Videos
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On March 2, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to recommend that all three tennis courts at Luther Burbank Park be permanently striped for pickleball during renovation of the courts this summer/fall. The presentation and discussion begins at approximately 1:52:46.
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On July 6, the Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) received the preferred pickleball court configuration and unanimously voted to recommend the layout to the City Council for approval. The presentation and discussion begin at approximately 17:58. City Council will review this item on July 18.
Who's Listening
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Phone 206-275-7864 Email sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov
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Will the Island Crest park have the temporary nets during the construction again?
It's fantastic to hear about the upcoming renovations to the tennis courts at Luther Burbank Park! With the surface settling over the years and tree root intrusions causing cracking, it's clear that an upgrade is much needed. It's great to see that the city is not only addressing these issues but also considering the growing popularity of pickleball by incorporating court design for this sport. This initiative will not only enhance recreational play but also ensure that the facilities meet the needs of the community for years to come. Looking forward to seeing the improvements and enjoying some games on the revitalized courts! 🎾🏓
Is there a way to make it less noisy? The pickleball sounds echo throughout the park and it can be quite annoying