Architectural renderings for proposed tennis and pickleball courts at Veterans Park were presented by City Manager Kevin Self during the January City Council meeting. The renderings had just come in the day of the meeting so Self made his presentation during City Manager’s comments and no action was taken.
Self said four different concepts were submitted to the City by Copeland Design Collective. He said the designs will be going to the Parks and Recreation Department to receive their input, as well.
The City Manager said, “In rendering design number one, which is more extensive than the other designs, there are four pickleball, two tennis, two volleyball courts, and the existing basketball court.”
As a side comment, Self said the City is currently on a waiting list for a Thunder Court. He said Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Marks has been in discussion with the Oklahoma City Thunder for a new remake of the existing basketball court.
If the Thunder Court request is successful, the design would be included in the tennis and pickleball courts facility.
Part of the discussion in earlier City Council meetings was the ability for Newcastle Public Schools to use the tennis courts for competition. Council members noted that competitive courts have specific guidelines for construction including a north-to-south orientation to cut down on the glare of the sun while playing. Self said this has been a part of the discussions with Copeland Design Collective.
City Council members said they were excited about the dual use purpose with the school’s ability to use the tennis courts for hosting another school for a tournament. Tennis was only recently added as a sport offering at Newcastle Schools.
Self also discussed the possibility of a local family making a donation to earn the ability to name the courts after a loved one.
In designing the concepts, Copeland Design Collective notes that Veterans Park in Newcastle is a beloved community destination where families, friends, and neighbors come together to play, relax, and connect. They state that the park could be centered around new tennis, pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball courts — an active hub which offers something for every age and skill level, from casual games to competitive tournaments.
Their rendering notes that the facility would have wide walkways, shaded picnic areas, and comfortable seating which links the courts to the Splash Pad.
Copeland Design Collective notes, whether you are joining an evening of pickleball, watching a weekend volleyball match, or just walking over from the playground, the Veterans Park court complex would be a welcoming place to gather, cheer and celebrate being part of Newcastle.
• architectural rendering by Copeland Design Collective This rendering shows a view of the shade structures from a main pathway at the proposed courts facility at Newcastle’s Veterans Park.
