Pickleball Community Supports BMX Riders in Santa Cruz Park Debate

What began as a contentious debate over Depot Park’s future became a surprising display of empathy and mutual respect between Santa Cruz’s pickleball and BMX communities. The city’s proposal to replace the underused BMX ramps at the “Fun Spot” with four pickleball courts sparked an intense discussion during a public meeting. But instead of pitting one group’s interests against the other, the pickleball players took a stand—urging the city to reconsider its plan if it meant taking away the BMX riders’ only dedicated space. Their message was clear: while the need for pickleball courts is urgent, they shouldn’t come at the expense of the biking community.

Members of the pickleball community, predominantly older and far outnumbered by the BMX riders, acknowledged the importance of the Fun Spot to local cyclists. One pickleballer highlighted the shared frustration with a lack of dedicated spaces but also expressed compassion for the BMX riders’ plight. “We have hundreds of people who want to play pickleball,” she said, “but this doesn’t look like the right spot.” Rather than push for the courts at Depot Park, pickleball players supported finding an alternative solution that wouldn’t displace the BMX community. Their stance resonated as BMX riders shared their concerns, explaining how young cyclists already struggle to find spaces to develop their skills locally.

By the end of the meeting, the city’s parks and recreation director, Tony Elliot, confirmed that the Fun Spot would likely remain a BMX park. He acknowledged the pickleball community’s empathy, which helped guide the discussion away from division and toward collaboration. The need for dedicated pickleball courts remains, but this meeting revived dialogue with both communities. The pickleball and BMX enthusiasts demonstrated how mutual understanding and advocacy can lead to solutions that prioritize inclusivity and respect for all.