Pickleball Courts at Cebu City Sports Center: Modest Addition Only, Bigger Concerns Are Being Addressed

The Cebu City Sports Center has found itself in the spotlight once again, this time not because of its much-criticised track oval but due to the construction of new pickleball courts tucked beside it. Manager Ildebrando Velasquez explained that the project was a low-cost initiative, designed to make use of available space and provide another recreational option for the public.

According to Velasquez, as per a report by the Cebu Daily News, the courts were built with minimal resources—paint and labour from the centre’s own maintenance staff. He admitted the surface is uneven and far from ideal, yet insisted it is serviceable for those who simply want to play. More importantly, he pointed out that the courts could generate additional income for the Cebu City Sports Center, which currently struggles to cover its operational costs.

The unveiling of the courts, however, was met with criticism online. Many questioned why a new facility was prioritised when the rubberised track oval remains in disrepair. Velasquez was quick to clarify that the courts do not signal abandonment of the oval’s rehabilitation. While no funds were allocated in the 2026 budget, a proposal has already been submitted for inclusion in the 2027 budget.

For now, pickleball enthusiasts can enjoy the courts free of charge, with rental rates expected to be set at roughly half the going price elsewhere in the city once the management board finalises its decision. Velasquez believes this will not only encourage more people to try the sport but also provide a modest revenue stream for the centre.

Pickleball may not solve the larger issues surrounding the Cebu City Sports Center but it does offer something new. In a city where recreational spaces are often limited, even a modest facility can make a difference. Whether the courts become a genuine attraction or remain a stopgap measure until bigger repairs are funded, they at least signal an effort to keep the sports centre active and relevant.

In short, the Cebu City Sports Center will be redeveloped. But it will take some time.