JOE POOL LAKE PICKLEBALL COURTS • AI visualization

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the country. Grand Prairie voters approved a bond measure in May 2026 that included $10 million for a pickleball facility. Estes Park is a compelling candidate site: the USACE Master Plan designates it for a comprehensive resort — defined as a multi-faceted development with facilities including tennis courts, from which pickleball courts would be a compatible use. A facility located in the interior of the Estes peninsula, surrounded by mature junipers, would address the sport’s primary noise drawback while delivering sought-after dining amenities to nearby residents.

Applicable Park(s): Estes Park

USACE Classification: High Density Recreation (HDR) — Comprehensive Resort designation

Master Plan PDF Page(s): 83, 95, 116, 120, 125

Master Plan Basis: Estes Park is designated by USACE for a "Comprehensive Resort," defined as "typically, multi-faceted developments with facilities such as marinas, lodging, conference centers, golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants, and other similar facilities." Tennis courts are explicitly included; pickleball courts are a compatible and contemporary equivalent. The city's own 2016 Lake Parks master plan calls for resort development at Estes within the 10-year horizon.