City plans to resurface Kelly Courts adding four pickleball courts as demand surges

The Hermosa Beach Parks, Recreation, & Community Resources Advisory Commission convened on December 3, 2024, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community recreational facilities and programs.

The meeting began with an update on the Kelly Court renovation project, identified as CIP 619. This project will involve resurfacing and reconfiguring the Kelly Courts at Clark Field, allowing for the return of four pickleball courts. The renovation will also include restriping of the tennis and basketball courts to ensure all facilities meet current standards. The design phase is nearing completion, with plans for Public Works to go out to bid within the next couple of months.

A significant aspect of the discussion centered on the current use policies for the Kelly Pickleball Courts, which were developed with input from a stakeholder group comprising local residents and pickleball players. With the expansion to four courts, the Department intends to re-engage this group to discuss potential modifications to the policies, focusing on balancing open play with court reservations. Currently, the two existing courts are heavily booked due to high demand, and the stakeholder group will be consulted once the construction timeline is established.

Following this, the Commission provided a recap of a recent partnership event held on November 21, titled "Tacos, Tie Dye and Thrifting," aimed at young adults aged 15 to 25. The event, hosted at the South Park Building, attracted approximately 65 attendees and was deemed a success. Plans are in place to continue this partnership and host similar events on a quarterly basis, reflecting a commitment to engaging the youth in the community.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to improve recreational facilities and foster community engagement through events tailored to young adults. The Commission's focus on stakeholder involvement and responsive programming underscores its dedication to meeting the needs of Hermosa Beach residents.