Southlake’s newest recreational facility has quickly made a name for itself among pickleball enthusiasts, earning recognition for its world-class design. Since opening in February, the Southlake Pickleball Complex has been buzzing with activity, and now it has another reason to celebrate! The facility has been awarded the prestigious TRAPS North Recreation Facility Design Excellence Award.
The Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) North Region is a nonprofit organization that has supported the advancement of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas for over 75 years. When the Southlake Pickleball Complex opened its doors, we knew it had to be a contender for this award. The Design Excellence Award highlights projects with outstanding professional design, encourages high levels of recreational use, and fosters collaboration between design and parks professionals. The Southlake Pickleball Complex is a testament to Southlake’s commitment to meeting community needs, achieving excellence, and encouraging teamwork.
This state-of-the-art, championship-level facility welcomes players of all skill levels, offering eight shaded courts, a Championship Court with stadium seating, a Pro Shop, and plenty of seating areas. Since opening, the staff has introduced innovative programming, such as Intro to Pickleball, custom drills, and community league opportunities, enriching the experience for members and guests.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this achievement! City staff will officially accept the award at the TRAPS North Region Conference in Denton on November 4, 2024.
July 19th is Park and Recreation Professionals Day, and we can’t miss an opportunity to brag on our world-class Community Services staff.
Southlake’s Community Services team is dedicated to creating beautiful and inviting places where all residents can build life-long memories. Our award-winning parks, recreation, and athletic facilities are busy with kids, friends, and families looking for a fun time on any given day. Vibrant parks like North Park, Liberty Park at Sheltonwood, and Bob Jones Park are bustling and lively thanks to our Southlake Parks employees' hard work and passion.
From contract camps and Adaptive Recreation to fitness and birthday party rentals, our Recreation staff are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. No matter what their job titles may say, every member of the Southlake Community Services team is a professional who takes pride in their work.
“I love my coworkers. Being a part of the landscape crew allows me to get out and work throughout the city.” Tony Mack, Parks Technician
"Hi there! My name is Sean Cornelius, and I am the Pickleball Coordinator for the newly opened Southlake Pickleball Complex. I love my job because I get to be part of the fun in people’s lives. When our members come to the facility they are always here to have a good time with family and friends. Seeing our facility full of life with good music and good times never fails to put a smile on my face. Whether I am teaching clinics, joining in on Open Play, or catching up with members I am proud to be part of our amazing Southlake Pickleball Community!” Sean Cornelius, Pickleball Coordinator
"I enjoy working in Parks and Recreation because my work is tangible, and I can see it every day. I can see the smiles on kids' faces, the satisfaction from a participant when they complete a program, and just in general work in a field whose goal is to bring health and happiness to the community. There is place for every single person to find a home and sense of belonging here with us, as every day is something fresh, new, and exciting in the world of Parks and Recreation!" Jonathan Weeks, Athletics Supervisor
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead the incredible group of park and recreation professionals who work daily to create world-class facilities, experiences, and memories for the citizens of Southlake and those who visit. We have the incredible opportunity to create places of belonging for everyone in the Southlake community in a variety of different ways and it takes an incredibly dedicated and talented team to do so. This year’s theme “Where you belong” is especially impactful because in the parks and recreation world that is a place for everyone to belong and that shows both on our team and in the variety of services that we are able to provide to our community,” David Miller, Director
As we celebrate Park and Recreation Month, let’s acknowledge and thank the Southlake Community Services team for their tireless work. They truly create places "where you belong," fostering community spirit and providing spaces for relaxation, play, and connection. Here’s to many more years of enjoying the parks, programs, special events, and facilities that make Southlake a one-of-a-kind place to live.
Pickleball is all about community. It’s a sport for literally anyone, and it’s a great way to make new friends. We’re counting down the days for the new Southlake Pickleball Facility at Bicentennial Park to open, and we know you’re just as excited about it as we are.
As we move through construction, we are pleased to announce we’ve hired Eric Clay as the new Pickleball Manager and Sean Cornelius as the Pickleball Coordinator. They will officially join the Southlake team on September 5 and begin work immediately preparing to open the facility later this year.
When selecting the new team, it was important to find people who would not only fit in with our Community Services family but also had the knowledge and experience to help make the City’s world class pickleball facility a place where residents would experience world class service every time they step foot on the court. Well, we found them!
“I’m looking forward to helping share my passion for Pickleball with the Southlake family,” said Cornelius. “It’s such an amazing sport and what better place to help it grow than Southlake!”
But it wasn’t just a love of Pickleball that drew Eric and Sean to Southlake, it was also our reputation of excellence.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of an established tradition of excellence and an outstanding reputation for supporting active and healthy lifestyles within the community,” noted Clay. “I feel especially fortunate to be coming into a community that has put so much care into its recreation facilities, and that has been intentional about continuing to develop opportunities for its citizens and visitors to experience a wonderful community in Southlake.”
Want to know more about the team? Here you go.
Eric Clay has built his career around Pickleball and Tennis. He’s served both sports as a facilitator of programming and community growth for many years.
“My passions for building community have brought Pickleball into focus and supporting that growth and development are a high priority for me,” says Clay. “I love that I’m able to be a part of a team that created an environment that supports health and wellness efforts. Ultimately serving to support another’s ability to balance the challenges of the daily ‘have too’s’ with the more fun ‘get to do’s.’ It’s all so very rewarding to me personally and professionally.”
Recent UT Tyler graduate, Sean Cornelius is not a stranger to pickleball. He’s been playing for about four years and with over two years of coaching and tournament experience.
“Once I picked up a paddle, I fell in love,” says Cornelius. “I have seen a tremendous amount of change in the sport in just a few years, and I really enjoy being able to contribute to that even in the smallest of ways.”
We’re thrilled to have Eric and Sean on the team and look forward to formally introducing them to the Southlake Community once the new facility opens. You can stay up to date with all things Southlake Pickleball by visiting our website, ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com. We’ll see you on the courts!
Pickleball is all about community. It’s a sport for literally anyone, and it’s a great way to make new friends. We’re counting down the days for the new Southlake Pickleball Facility at Bicentennial Park to open, and we know you’re just as excited about it as we are.
As we move through construction, we are pleased to announce we’ve hired Eric Clay as the new Pickleball Manager and Sean Cornelius as the Pickleball Coordinator. They will officially join the Southlake team on September 5 and begin work immediately preparing to open the facility later this year.
When selecting the new team, it was important to find people who would not only fit in with our Community Services family but also had the knowledge and experience to help make the City’s world class pickleball facility a place where residents would experience world class service every time they step foot on the court. Well, we found them!
“I’m looking forward to helping share my passion for Pickleball with the Southlake family,” said Cornelius. “It’s such an amazing sport and what better place to help it grow than Southlake!”
But it wasn’t just a love of Pickleball that drew Eric and Sean to Southlake, it was also our reputation of excellence.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of an established tradition of excellence and an outstanding reputation for supporting active and healthy lifestyles within the community,” noted Clay. “I feel especially fortunate to be coming into a community that has put so much care into its recreation facilities, and that has been intentional about continuing to develop opportunities for its citizens and visitors to experience a wonderful community in Southlake.”
Want to know more about the team? Here you go.
Eric Clay has built his career around Pickleball and Tennis. He’s served both sports as a facilitator of programming and community growth for many years.
“My passions for building community have brought Pickleball into focus and supporting that growth and development are a high priority for me,” says Clay. “I love that I’m able to be a part of a team that created an environment that supports health and wellness efforts. Ultimately serving to support another’s ability to balance the challenges of the daily ‘have too’s’ with the more fun ‘get to do’s.’ It’s all so very rewarding to me personally and professionally.”
Recent UT Tyler graduate, Sean Cornelius is not a stranger to pickleball. He’s been playing for about four years and with over two years of coaching and tournament experience.
“Once I picked up a paddle, I fell in love,” says Cornelius. “I have seen a tremendous amount of change in the sport in just a few years, and I really enjoy being able to contribute to that even in the smallest of ways.”
We’re thrilled to have Eric and Sean on the team and look forward to formally introducing them to the Southlake Community once the new facility opens. You can stay up to date with all things Southlake Pickleball by visiting our website, ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com. We’ll see you on the courts!
Pickleball is all about community. It’s a sport for literally anyone, and it’s a great way to make new friends. We’re counting down the days for the new Southlake Pickleball Facility at Bicentennial Park to open, and we know you’re just as excited about it as we are.
As we move through construction, we are pleased to announce we’ve hired Eric Clay as the new Pickleball Manager and Sean Cornelius as the Pickleball Coordinator. They will officially join the Southlake team on September 5 and begin work immediately preparing to open the facility later this year.
When selecting the new team, it was important to find people who would not only fit in with our Community Services family but also had the knowledge and experience to help make the City’s world class pickleball facility a place where residents would experience world class service every time they step foot on the court. Well, we found them!
“I’m looking forward to helping share my passion for Pickleball with the Southlake family,” said Cornelius. “It’s such an amazing sport and what better place to help it grow than Southlake!”
But it wasn’t just a love of Pickleball that drew Eric and Sean to Southlake, it was also our reputation of excellence.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of an established tradition of excellence and an outstanding reputation for supporting active and healthy lifestyles within the community,” noted Clay. “I feel especially fortunate to be coming into a community that has put so much care into its recreation facilities, and that has been intentional about continuing to develop opportunities for its citizens and visitors to experience a wonderful community in Southlake.”
Want to know more about the team? Here you go.
Eric Clay has built his career around Pickleball and Tennis. He’s served both sports as a facilitator of programming and community growth for many years.
“My passions for building community have brought Pickleball into focus and supporting that growth and development are a high priority for me,” says Clay. “I love that I’m able to be a part of a team that created an environment that supports health and wellness efforts. Ultimately serving to support another’s ability to balance the challenges of the daily ‘have too’s’ with the more fun ‘get to do’s.’ It’s all so very rewarding to me personally and professionally.”
Recent UT Tyler graduate, Sean Cornelius is not a stranger to pickleball. He’s been playing for about four years and with over two years of coaching and tournament experience.
“Once I picked up a paddle, I fell in love,” says Cornelius. “I have seen a tremendous amount of change in the sport in just a few years, and I really enjoy being able to contribute to that even in the smallest of ways.”
We’re thrilled to have Eric and Sean on the team and look forward to formally introducing them to the Southlake Community once the new facility opens. You can stay up to date with all things Southlake Pickleball by visiting our website, ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com. We’ll see you on the courts!
The fastest-growing sport in America is finding a permanent home in Southlake!
This Wednesday, April 19, City officials gathered in Bicentennial Park to officially break ground on the much-awaited pickleball facility. As Southlake has grown over the years, so has the emergence of Pickleball. Bicentennial Park is a cornerstone of our community and the new pickleball facility will only add to its greatness.
City leaders from the City Council, Southlake Parks Development Corporation, and Park and Recreation Board gathered early on Wednesday morning to kick off the construction of the facility. Speeches by Mayor Huffman, Mayor Pro Tem Williamson, and Park Board Chair Scharli explained how this project came to fruition.
Recognizing the growing popularity and demand for the sport, City Council awarded the bid to construct a nine-court pickleball facility within Bicentennial Park during a March 2023 City Council meeting. Recommendations for investing in a pickleball facility were outlined in the Southlake 2035 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan adopted by City Council at their June 15, 2021 meeting. The new $4.5 million complex will be funded by the Southlake Parks Development Corporation (SPDC) Capital Improvements Program.
Created in 1992, the Southlake Parks and Development Corporation administers the city’s half-cent sales tax and applies it toward parks-related capital projects. Since then, this funding source has paid for the redevelopment and construction of various community parks such as Bicentennial Park, Bob Jones Park, and North Park.
Construction started the week of April 14, 2023, with an estimated completion date of fall 2023. Once completed, along with plenty of space to socialize with friends and family, the facility will house eight pickleball courts, one championship court, restrooms, and a staff office. Visit our Pickleball page to learn more about the project.
We can’t wait to celebrate the grand opening of Southlake’s newest community facility in the Fall!
The fastest-growing sport in America is finding a permanent home in Southlake!
This Wednesday, April 19, City officials gathered in Bicentennial Park to officially break ground on the much-awaited pickleball facility. As Southlake has grown over the years, so has the emergence of Pickleball. Bicentennial Park is a cornerstone of our community and the new pickleball facility will only add to its greatness.
City leaders from the City Council, Southlake Parks Development Corporation, and Park and Recreation Board gathered early on Wednesday morning to kick off the construction of the facility. Speeches by Mayor Huffman, Mayor Pro Tem Williamson, and Park Board Chair Scharli explained how this project came to fruition.
Recognizing the growing popularity and demand for the sport, City Council awarded the bid to construct a nine-court pickleball facility within Bicentennial Park during a March 2023 City Council meeting. Recommendations for investing in a pickleball facility were outlined in the Southlake 2035 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan adopted by City Council at their June 15, 2021 meeting. The new $4.5 million complex will be funded by the Southlake Parks Development Corporation (SPDC) Capital Improvements Program.
Created in 1992, the Southlake Parks and Development Corporation administers the city’s half-cent sales tax and applies it toward parks-related capital projects. Since then, this funding source has paid for the redevelopment and construction of various community parks such as Bicentennial Park, Bob Jones Park, and North Park.
Construction started the week of April 14, 2023, with an estimated completion date of fall 2023. Once completed, along with plenty of space to socialize with friends and family, the facility will house eight pickleball courts, one championship court, restrooms, and a staff office. Visit our Pickleball page to learn more about the project.
We can’t wait to celebrate the grand opening of Southlake’s newest community facility in the Fall!
One of the most popular games across the U.S. is coming to Southlake soon!
The site plan for a pickleball complex to be placed in Bicentennial Park was recently approved at the June 21 City Council meeting.
The complex is set to be located between Unity Way and Freedom Lane, directly across from the Southlake Tennis Center.
The project will include:
These future improvements were a top priority as a new park amenity within Southlake’s adopted Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan.
“Pickleball has been rising in popularity for quite some time now,” said Director of Community Services Chris Tribble, “It’s great for all ages and skill levels, and it’s easy to learn if you’re not familiar with the concept.”
“We’re extremely excited about adding this new amenity to our park system,” Tribble said.
To review other plans, recommendations, goals, and objectives regarding Southlake’s parks and facilities, Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan is available online.
