Champaign Park District has announced that construction is nearly complete on the John Street Pickleball Courts, located at 2203 W John St. The 8 new courts are projected to open to the public on Saturday, October 31. Community members are invited to celebrate the opening with a ribbon cutting and special event on Saturday, November 14, from 10am-12pm. The event will include refreshments, exclusive giveaways, learn-to-play court space, independent-play court space, entertainment, and more.
The John Street Pickleball Courts first opened in October 2022, with 8 fenced-in public courts. As the demand for pickleball has grown in recent years, the District identified a need to expand the complex. In February 2025, the District added DarkSky-Certified lighting to the facility to allow for evening playtime while minimizing light pollution. In June 2025, community members provided feedback for a court expansion designed by Architectural Expressions, LLC. In the past year, design plans were finalized, and Petry-Kuhne began construction in Summer 2026.
The court expansion includes 8 new courts, a shade structure over 4 courts, a restroom facility, and a dedicated parking lot for players.
“The courts at John Street are often at full capacity with four players per court and others waiting their turn,” said Sarah Sandquist, Executive Director at Champaign Park District. “We are excited that this expansion will help to meet court space demand and reduce wait times to play.”
The updated complex puts Champaign on the map with the largest outdoor pickleball facility in Central Illinois, boasting 16 free-to-use courts. The complex was also the second DarkSky-Certified sports facility in the state.
In the event of inclement weather, the rainout date for the ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, at 5:30pm.
To learn more about Centennial Park and the Pickleball Complex, visit: https://champaignparks.org/places/centennial-park/
