City of Napa Approves Plan for Pickleball Courts and Youth Soccer Field Near South Napa Movie Theater
The city of Napa is set to welcome new recreational opportunities for pickleball players and young soccer enthusiasts with the approval of a plan to build four pickleball courts and a youth soccer practice field near the South Napa movie theater.
The proposal, put forward by the Peter A. & Vernice H. Gasser Foundation, received unanimous approval from the city’s Planning Commission. The project will see the construction of four fenced pickleball courts and a youth practice soccer field on two vacant commercial lots adjacent to the Cinemark Century Napa Valley movie theater.
The pickleball courts will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sunset, providing a dedicated space for enthusiasts of the popular sport. Meanwhile, the youth soccer field, managed by the Napa United Soccer Club, will accommodate up to 60 kids for practices five nights a week.
Mitch Wippern, the foundation’s chief operations officer, explained that the initiative aims to address the increasing demand for youth sports and pickleball in the area while the lots await future commercial development. The soccer field is slated for an initial three-year term, while the pickleball courts will be available for five years.
While commissioners praised the project, concerns were raised about the lack of restroom facilities on site. Wippern acknowledged the issue, citing restrictions on temporary restrooms and cost implications for permanent facilities. However, he suggested that nearby businesses may allow visitors to use their restrooms, especially if they are customers.
The foundation is also exploring the possibility of donating the courts to the city in exchange for management responsibilities. If this arrangement is not feasible, alternative options for operating the facilities will be considered.
Overall, the approval of this plan represents a positive step towards providing recreational opportunities for residents of Napa, enhancing community engagement, and promoting active lifestyles. For more information, contact Staff Writer Edward Booth at 707-521-5281 or edward.booth@pressdemocrat.com.
