Bellevue Parks & Community Services will remove tennis nets from Eastgate Park's two outdoor courts on Tuesday, Sept. 1, converting the facility to dedicated pickleball use.
The courts previously operated as tennis courts overlaid with markings for four pickleball courts and portable nets, according to the city's announcement. After the conversion, the space will serve pickleball players exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis during posted park hours.
The department cited increasing community demand for pickleball, backed by multiple recreation planning assessments and feedback from residents. A follow-up resurfacing project will replace the current dual-sport line markings with pickleball-only lines, though no timeline for that work has been announced.
Where tennis players can go
Tennis players who used Eastgate Park will need to find a new home court. Bellevue Parks identified four alternatives, all within about three miles:
- Silver Leaf Park — 4900 block of 164th Ave; two courts with pickleball overlay
- Lakemont Community Park — 5170 Village Park Drive SE; two tennis courts (also overlaid with four pickleball courts)
- Spiritridge Park
- Sunset Park
The department said no other dual-use courts in Bellevue are slated for conversion.
What changed and why it matters
Before Sept. 1, pickleball players at Eastgate had to haul portable nets onto tennis courts and navigate overlapping line markings. After the conversion, four dedicated pickleball courts will occupy the space with consistent markings once resurfacing is complete.
For tennis players, two public courts disappear from the Eastgate neighborhood. The nearest confirmed alternatives sit at Silver Leaf and Lakemont, both of which still share their courts with pickleball through overlay markings.
Eastgate Park's courts remain free and open to the public.
No reservation system is planned.
