The Grand Prairie City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the proposed recreational facility at Friendship Park, which aims to include four pickleball courts and one tennis court. The meeting highlighted concerns raised by community members about the plan's effectiveness in meeting local recreational needs.

One resident addressed the council, arguing that the current plan misrepresents the community's requirements and underutilizes valuable space. They emphasized that the proposed facility does not provide truly public access, as many existing courts are tied to memberships or high fees, making them inaccessible to families, seniors, and beginners. The speaker pointed out that just 3.3 miles away, South Grand Prairie High School offers six public tennis courts that are well-maintained and funded by the city, suggesting that tennis is already adequately supported in the area.

In contrast, the resident advocated for pickleball, stating that this facility would be the first truly public pickleball space in Grand Prairie. They argued that pickleball is a more efficient use of space, allowing for more players to engage in the sport simultaneously. With a game duration of 15 to 20 minutes, four pickleball courts could accommodate up to 60 players per hour, compared to the limited capacity of a single tennis court.

The speaker also raised concerns about potential conflicts arising from the mixed-use design of the facility. They warned that high traffic on the pickleball courts could lead to overflow players using the tennis court, creating uncomfortable situations for both pickleball and tennis players.

The discussion underscored the need for the city council to consider community feedback and the practical implications of the proposed recreational facility layout. As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that further evaluation of the plan would be necessary to ensure it aligns with the community's recreational needs.