Lehi residents are calling on the Lehi City Council to expand indoor pickleball access and eliminate member-only hours at the Lehi Legacy Center, citing a massive surge in demand for the sport and a need for greater community inclusivity.
Demand for Pickleball Courts
During a Lehi City Council meeting held on Sept. 8, community members presented arguments for significant changes to how the Legacy Center manages its indoor court space and membership access. A central focus of the discussion was the growing popularity of pickleball, a sport that has seen a global boom over the last two decades.
Sarie Christiansen, a part-time employee at the Legacy Center and a local resident, told the council that the demand for indoor pickleball courts has reached an all-time high. Christiansen noted that while the facility has successfully integrated volleyball into early Saturday morning schedules, there remains a significant opportunity to expand pickleball opportunities by utilizing existing basketball courts.
Proposed Court Modifications
To facilitate this expansion, Christiansen presented a petition to the council containing more than 250 signatures from residents who support adding specific lines to the indoor courts to make them usable for pickleball. The proposed modification is described as a relatively low-cost investment of approximately $3,000.
Christiansen argued that the facility could accommodate the sport by dedicating 20 hours of play per week to pickleball. She emphasized the social benefits of the sport, stating, "It's a really fun game and a great way to connect with others. We are experiencing positive things happening with volleyball [at the Legacy Center], and I think pickleball would do that ten times over."
Member-Only Hour Restrictions
Beyond the physical court layout, residents expressed frustration with the facility's current membership restrictions. Cami Purtschert, a resident and former instructor, told the council that the Legacy Center is currently the only recreation center in Utah County that maintains member-only hours.
Purtschert noted that these restrictions currently take place twice a day: once between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. During these windows, paying customers who are not members are turned away from participating in activities.
Impact on Community Growth
Purtschert explained that the necessity for member-only hours has changed as the region's demographics and infrastructure have evolved. She recalled teaching classes in 2016 when fitness classes often reached 30 participants at a time due to the rapid growth of nearby Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.
However, Purtschert argued that the current membership-based model now acts as a barrier to growth rather than a benefit. She suggested that the restriction prevents people from bringing friends or family to classes, noting, "The hours feel more like a penalty than a perk."
Regional Competition for Space
The need for expanded indoor space is not limited to local residents. One resident informed the council that he frequently travels to different locations throughout Utah County, and even as far as the Oquirrh Park Fitness Center near the Olympic Oval in Kearns, specifically to find adequate space to play pickleball.
This travel highlights the lack of accessible indoor facilities for the sport within Lehi City. Christiansen echoed the sentiment that the Legacy Center serves as a vital community hub, providing a space for individuals to connect and find social support through play.
Community Connection
The push for changes at the Legacy Center highlights a tension between maintaining exclusive membership benefits and meeting the evolving needs of a growing community. Both Christiansen and Purtschert emphasized that the center is a "very special place" for the community, serving as a venue for both exercise and social connection.
Future Outlook
As the city considers these requests, the proponents of the changes argue that the benefits of increased inclusivity and expanded sport access would far outweigh the minor costs of court modification and schedule adjustments.
