Fredericksburg will invest .5 million into a new racquet center for local tennis and pickleball players. (Aleksander Saks/Unsplash).
The Fredericksburg Racquet Center is set to break ground on a $5.5 million project at the end of April. Here’s everything you need to know.
Picture this: It’s an early summer afternoon. The sun is shining overhead and you have nowhere to be. You lace up your sneakers, grab your racket, and head out to play some tennis or pickleball, depending on your preference. Afterward, you grab a cold drink and go for a leisurely stroll before heading back home. If that sounds like paradise to you, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is set to begin phase one of its construction on the brand new Fredericksburg Racquet Center on April 27. Yes, it will take until March 2027 for the project to be completed, but it sounds like it’ll be worth the wait.
The new facility will encompass 10 acres and include eight pickleball courts, eight tennis courts, parking, a clubhouse, walking trail, and playground. The Fredericksburg Tennis Center Foundation, the Tennis Association, and the city of Fredericksburg have partnered together to bring this dream to fruition. The group was assisted by Fueling Tennis Futures Foundation—an Austin nonprofit—as well as RPM Tennis Academy and several others to raise the $5.5 million needed to break ground on the center. The original concept for the space came about three years ago, when the president of the Fredericksburg Tennis Association, John Savage, realized there was an overwhelming desire for more local courts.
Julie Alvarez, a Fredericksburg resident, helped lead the charge in terms of outlining the demand for designated pickleball and tennis courts to Savage and others. “Discussions about establishing a racquet center began in the fall of 2023 following the survey results of the City of Fredericksburg’s Parks Master Plan, which showed a strong need for more pickleball courts, tennis courts, as well as walking trails in our community,” she said. Alvarez added that those were the most pressing recreational needs, and that, “The racquet center project is another grassroots effort and example of citizens working together, sharing talents and resources and a passion to enhance our amazing town. ”
Small fees will be required to rent the new courts
When announcing the new Fredericksburg Racquet Center facility, Julie Alvarez noted that entry fees will be required of anyone looking to play at the courts once they’re officially open next year. Some city council members expressed concern over the idea, but Alvarez said the fees would ultimately benefit the community and that the center would ensure everyone was able to meet the membership requirements, even if they needed financial assistance to do so. “I think that our primary motive is to make this a community racquet center that is available to everyone and one that everyone can use. We would have a monthly membership fee like the Wellness Center has. We would also offer day use, for those who wanted to drop in and play tennis or pickleball,” she said.
In addition to financial assistance, both work memberships and scholarships will be offered to help cover costs. “I really want it to be something that people feel like this is our facility, and they can work the front desk and greet members or take care of the courts and feel like it’s theirs. We own this facility together,” Alvarez added. It’s unclear as of writing how much the memberships will run for, but court rental fees are expected to be about $7.50-$10. The playground, walking trail, park, and bathrooms will all be completely free to use for members of the public.
