Luther Burbank Park Sport Courts Renovation

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This capital project has been completed. For updates about the Luther Burbank Park pickleball courts, visit www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/luther-burbank-pickleball-courts.

An outdoor sports court facility featuring eight pickleball courts

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. FieldTurf, the City's contractor for this project, returned in 2025 to install permanent acrylic court surfacing and finish other items. The courts are now complete and open on a first-come, first-served basis. Facility rules are posted on-site and on the City website.

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. FieldTurf, the City's contractor for this project, returned in 2025 to install permanent acrylic court surfacing and finish other items. The courts are now complete and open on a first-come, first-served basis. Facility rules are posted on-site and on the City website.

This capital project has been completed. For updates about the Luther Burbank Park pickleball courts, visit www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/luther-burbank-pickleball-courts.

Do you have questions about this capital project? Submit them here, and staff will provide a response for all to see.

  • Share If it’s practical from the project perspective, could we strip the large gap in the middle for another 1-2 courts? This way, in certain situations for the future, people could bring their own nets and increase the capacity for the park, but the space is still usable for other stuff without permanent obstruction. on Facebook Share If it’s practical from the project perspective, could we strip the large gap in the middle for another 1-2 courts? This way, in certain situations for the future, people could bring their own nets and increase the capacity for the park, but the space is still usable for other stuff without permanent obstruction. on Twitter Share If it’s practical from the project perspective, could we strip the large gap in the middle for another 1-2 courts? This way, in certain situations for the future, people could bring their own nets and increase the capacity for the park, but the space is still usable for other stuff without permanent obstruction. on Linkedin Email If it’s practical from the project perspective, could we strip the large gap in the middle for another 1-2 courts? This way, in certain situations for the future, people could bring their own nets and increase the capacity for the park, but the space is still usable for other stuff without permanent obstruction. link

    If it’s practical from the project perspective, could we strip the large gap in the middle for another 1-2 courts? This way, in certain situations for the future, people could bring their own nets and increase the capacity for the park, but the space is still usable for other stuff without permanent obstruction.

    Nel asked 4 months ago

    The Mercer Island City Council approved the design for eight pickleball courts at Luther Burbank Park in July 2023 (AB 6309). This design was developed in consultation with the Parks and Recreation Commission and informed by community input as well as the constraints of the existing facility. The City does not plan to add more courts at this time.

  • Share Hi, is there any plan to install lights For this great bew Court? Otherwise play time during the winter is very Limited. Thanks! on Facebook Share Hi, is there any plan to install lights For this great bew Court? Otherwise play time during the winter is very Limited. Thanks! on Twitter Share Hi, is there any plan to install lights For this great bew Court? Otherwise play time during the winter is very Limited. Thanks! on Linkedin Email Hi, is there any plan to install lights For this great bew Court? Otherwise play time during the winter is very Limited. Thanks! link

    Hi, is there any plan to install lights For this great bew Court? Otherwise play time during the winter is very Limited. Thanks!

    Bin asked 10 months ago

    Construction completed in 2024 included the installation of conduit and junction boxes to facilitate future lighting of the courts. However, the City Council has not authorized a lighting project for construction. The consultant team has developed a 90% design for lighting, but finalizing the design is on hold until PSE approves the City's request to upsize electrical service for some facilities in Luther Burbank Park. Following that approval, the design will be finalized, and staff will return to the City Council sometime in 2025 to seek additional direction. Details about future City Council discussions on this topic will be shared on Let's Talk when available.

  • Share Will you be installing pickleball paddle racks when the courts are full and people are waiting for an open court? on Facebook Share Will you be installing pickleball paddle racks when the courts are full and people are waiting for an open court? on Twitter Share Will you be installing pickleball paddle racks when the courts are full and people are waiting for an open court? on Linkedin Email Will you be installing pickleball paddle racks when the courts are full and people are waiting for an open court? link

    Will you be installing pickleball paddle racks when the courts are full and people are waiting for an open court?

    scott asked 10 months ago

    The City does not plan to install pickleball paddle racks at this time. Amenities such as paddle racks could be implemented in the future if desired by the community.

  • Share Do you think the courts will be open for play this weekend (11/9-11/10)? on Facebook Share Do you think the courts will be open for play this weekend (11/9-11/10)? on Twitter Share Do you think the courts will be open for play this weekend (11/9-11/10)? on Linkedin Email Do you think the courts will be open for play this weekend (11/9-11/10)? link

    Do you think the courts will be open for play this weekend (11/9-11/10)?

    John W. asked 10 months ago

    There are still a few items that need to be completed before the facility can open for play, including finishing the grading work on the south hill. Staff anticipate outstanding items will be finished the week of November 11 (weather dependent), and an announcement will be made via Let's Talk and other channels when the courts are open to the community.

  • Share Will there be fencing between the courts? on Facebook Share Will there be fencing between the courts? on Twitter Share Will there be fencing between the courts? on Linkedin Email Will there be fencing between the courts? link

    Will there be fencing between the courts?

    Colin asked 11 months ago

    Two fences will be installed between the north and south halves of the court facility to control balls (see image below), but individual court fencing enclosures are not planned for this project. The City may evaluate future fencing needs if the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council provide that direction.

  • Share It says above replace netting as needed. Are you planning to replace the nets with Pickleball nets rather than tennis nets? on Facebook Share It says above replace netting as needed. Are you planning to replace the nets with Pickleball nets rather than tennis nets? on Twitter Share It says above replace netting as needed. Are you planning to replace the nets with Pickleball nets rather than tennis nets? on Linkedin Email It says above replace netting as needed. Are you planning to replace the nets with Pickleball nets rather than tennis nets? link

    It says above replace netting as needed. Are you planning to replace the nets with Pickleball nets rather than tennis nets?

    Arlen Levy asked over 1 year ago

    Yes, new posts and nets for pickleball play will be installed as part of this project.

  • Share When will the new pickle ball courts be open? on Facebook Share When will the new pickle ball courts be open? on Twitter Share When will the new pickle ball courts be open? on Linkedin Email When will the new pickle ball courts be open? link

    When will the new pickle ball courts be open?

    Young Rick asked about 1 year ago

    The courts are expected to open for pickleball play in October.