Ventnor Pickleball Courts to Undergo Major Reconstruction

Ventnor City is moving forward with a full reconstruction of its popular pickleball and tennis courts at Somerset and Suffolk Avenues, marking a significant investment in one of the community’s most heavily used recreational spaces. The upgrade follows a festive sendoff on December 19, when players gathered in holiday sweaters for the annual “Polar Pickleball” event ahead of the courts’ temporary closure.

City officials have approved a complete overhaul of the combined facility, replacing aging asphalt and reconfiguring the layout to better reflect how residents actually use the space today. Pickleball participation has surged in recent years, and the redesign aims to accommodate that demand while improving safety and durability.

What’s Included in the Court Upgrade

The reconstruction is comprehensive rather than cosmetic. According to city officials, the project includes:

• Full asphalt removal and replacement

• New color surfacing designed specifically for pickleball and tennis

• Installation of new nets, posts, and fencing

• Conversion of one tennis court into three permanent pickleball courts

Once complete, the facility will offer a more balanced mix of courts and improved playing conditions for year-round users.

Timeline and Weather Constraints

Construction is expected to take place through the winter and early spring, with the city targeting a reopening by summer 2026. Officials noted that timing is heavily dependent on weather conditions, particularly temperature requirements for laying asphalt and applying final surface coatings.

Consistent temperatures above 50 degrees are required for proper surfacing, which means portions of the project must wait until early spring. Until then, the courts will remain closed to allow uninterrupted work once conditions allow.

Why These Courts Matter to Ventnor

The Somerset and Suffolk Avenue courts are more than just a recreational amenity. They serve as a gathering place for residents, particularly during the shoulder seasons when other outdoor options are limited. Events like Polar Pickleball underscore how central the courts have become to Ventnor’s sense of community.

City leaders framed the investment as part of a broader effort to modernize public facilities and keep pace with changing recreational trends, rather than patching infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life.

Why It Matters

Recreational infrastructure plays a subtle but important role in how neighborhoods function day to day. Walkable access to well-maintained amenities like courts and parks can influence how residents use their homes and engage with their surroundings.

“Even when the market shifts, the best spots in town still get attention,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “People notice when a town reinvests in the things residents actually use.”

What Residents Should Expect

Residents near Somerset and Suffolk Avenues can expect periodic construction activity during the rebuild, followed by a more durable and expanded pickleball setup once complete. The city has emphasized that the goal is long-term usability, not short-term fixes.

Micro-FAQ

Are the courts closed right now?
Yes. The courts closed after the December 19 event to allow reconstruction.

Will there still be tennis courts?
Yes. One tennis court will be converted, but tennis remains part of the facility.

When will the courts reopen?
The city is targeting summer 2026, weather permitting.

Sources: Ventnor City; Downbeach Buzz