RFK Redevelopment Project

Let's get 22+ dedicated pickleball courts!

Want more dedicated pickleball courts in DC? We have a rare, massive opportunity to help that happen within the planned 180-acre RFK Campus. DC's Office of Planning (OP) is collected comments on its Master Plan. We sent ours in August.

We requested:

At least 22 dedicated pickleball courts optimized for year-round play (indoors or covered), with lighting, seating, and restrooms. (A hub this size ensures access for residents daily, while meeting requirements to host national or international matches)

• Dedicated courts only! Shared courts with tennis or other sports create conflicts and limit play.

Update 10/19/26
Our voices were clearly heard by the Council and the Mayor's Director of the Office of Planning, according to a recent article in the Washington Sun. We're now planning our next action steps to follow up with both the Council and the OP. Here's an excerpt from the article.

The Pickleball Lobby

While megagarages and traffic congestion dominated the hearing, highly specific recreational demands also surfaced — most notably, the push for more pickleball.

Lana Duran, a local realtor and pickleball organizer, testified that the four courts currently allocated in the master plan fall drastically short of community demand as the sport increases in popularity. She was joined by several others in asking the council to mandate that the site include 24 dedicated pickleball courts in the final layout to host youth programs, leagues and tournaments.

Office of Planning Director Anita Cozart defended the pickleball plan as “commensurate with the very diverse array of recreational options that people articulated as priorities,” adding the design remains “flexible.”

Read the article

The project aims to transform this historic site into a vibrant community space that meets the diverse needs of local residents. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, the DC Office of Planning is inviting public comments on the draft master plan that describes potential uses, including green spaces, recreational areas, and event venues. The goal is to create a multifunctional environment that fosters community connection and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.

Washington DC Pickleball (WDCP) strongly supports the RFK redevelopment project and views it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand and improve recreational resources in our city.

WDCP advocates the inclusion of 22 dedicated pickleball courts within the planned Recreation District. Access to these facilities is essential to develop a strong youth pickleball program and to meet growing community demand. As participation continues to trend younger, working adults face even fewer opportunities to play, underscoring the need for expanded access.

Pickleball is an inclusive, easy-to-learn sport that plays a meaningful role in building strong, connected communities. Dedicated facilities would create a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels.