The City of Oswego Receives Grant Funding for New Pickleball Courts

Oswego – Pickleball is a sport rising in popularity across the nation and specifically in the City of Oswego. Currently, there are 4 pickleball courts located on the West Side of the city at Shapiro Park. These courts are highly used 7 days a week, morning to sunset by players of all ages, from April to October.

With the growing popularity of the game, in July of 2024, the City of Oswego submitted a proposal seeking grant funding to expand upon the city’s pickleball courts. At Christmas, the city learned they were awarded $179,250 in grant funds in response to their project proposal and application.

Our 4 current courts at Shapiro Park allow for 16 players at one time, so space is often limited. Most days, cars fill the parking lot and beyond, parking up and down Paloma Street, often waiting their turn to play.

The city is going to be able to build an additional 4 pickleball courts with the grant funding that has been secured. The new courts will be located in our very own historic Fort Ontario on the East Side, in a grass area near the Safe Haven Museum.

This project is proposed to occur in two stages. The first stage consists of the site work/land development, the construction of the pickleball courts themselves, the installation of equipment for the courts, fencing, sidewalks and a parking lot. The second stage would allow for the construction of a bathroom building as well as purchasing picnic equipment for the newly developed area.

Mayor Corradino said, “as the 7^th ward councilor in 2017, I was happy to help facilitate the converting of an old, unused tennis court into the 4 pickleball courts. With the popularity of the sport exploding, it makes sense to provide another location for our residents to enjoy.”

The official start date is not yet solidified due to several different factors, including not yet knowing when the funds will officially be transferred to the City, the weather, as well as working this project planning and execution into the ongoing efforts of the several city departments required to bring this to life.

The City of Oswego is very excited to be awarded this funding to bring such a highly desired recreational opportunity to its residents.

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