Proposal would replace existing basketball court with four pickleball courts; city says no decision has been made as residents are invited to weigh in
FOLSOM — Basketball or pickleball? That is a question the City of Folsom is putting before the community as it considers a proposal that could replace the outdoor basketball court at Lembi Community Park with four dedicated pickleball courts.
City officials say no decision has been made on the proposed conversion, which is part of a broader discussion about expanding pickleball facilities at the popular community park. The concept could also include construction of a new restroom building available to all park users.
The city is discussing potential sponsorship funding that could offset a portion of the project costs. Mayor Justin Raithel said the opportunity arose through the Folsom Pickleball Club and a potential corporate sponsor.
“When we received a potential opportunity from the Folsom Pickleball Club and a corporate sponsor to convert this court over into four pickleball courts and also add a bathroom — which is a frequently requested amenity for this park — we started looking at it, and we’re looking for your input on that,” Raithel explained in his weekly public address.
The proposal has also raised concerns among residents who want the basketball court to remain, particularly because of its location, lighting and role as a gathering place for players.
In response to what the city described as significant community interest and feedback, including concerns about maintaining basketball access, officials have scheduled a community meeting for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Folsom City Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Natoma St.
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposal, ask questions and provide feedback. The city says that input will help inform its evaluation of the potential conversion. The city’s current project information reiterates that no decision has been made and that continued basketball access is among the issues being considered.
Comments may also be emailed to ParkPlanning@folsom.ca.us with “Lembi Park Court Conversion” in the subject line through Aug. 27.
Raithel addressed some of the issues surrounding the proposal during his Mayor’s Minute, recorded at the Lembi Park court. He said Folsom Parks and Recreation currently manages 16 basketball courts citywide, in addition to courts at local schools that are available for public use.
“This basketball court is looking pretty rough,” Raithel said. “We have 16 basketball courts managed by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, plus many more at local schools that are open to the public. Some of them have large cracks, beat-up rims and backboards, because we just have a lot of basketball courts to maintain.”
Raithel also pointed to basketball courts at nearby parks as alternatives if the Lembi court were converted, including Shores Mini Park across the street and Levy Park.
He said conversations with residents during National Night Out indicated some nearby residents already travel to Levy Park to use its newer basketball court.
At the same time, Raithel noted the demand for additional pickleball space at Lembi Park.
“Sometimes we have quite a line for pickleball here, and we’re interested to hear your opinion,” Raithel said.
The issue also reached the City Council chambers this week when resident Terry White used the business-from-the-floor portion of the council meeting to urge city leaders to preserve the Lembi basketball court.
White pointed out that nearby neighborhood courts are not necessarily equivalent replacements for the Lembi facility, particularly for players who use the court after dark.
“Most people that use Lembi Park’s basketball court, they use it at nighttime because of the light feature that’s there,” White told the council.
He also expressed concern about directing users to smaller neighborhood parks, including one he said is located along a potentially dangerous section of Riley Street.
White urged the city to find a way to accommodate both sports rather than eliminate basketball from the Lembi court.
“Pickleball and basketball can coexist. They can coexist,” White said. “So we’re asking you to stand for our basketball court and not uproot this place of community connection.”
The discussion comes as pickleball continues to generate demand for dedicated court space in Folsom, while the potential loss of an existing basketball court has generated questions about how the city balances recreational uses among different groups.
For now, city officials are emphasizing that the Lembi proposal remains under consideration rather than an approved project.
In addition to written comments and the Sept. 17 community meeting, Raithel said residents can bring their views to the Folsom Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Sept. 1.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how you wanna proceed on this conversion,” Raithel said.
The Sept. 17 community meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Folsom City Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Natoma St. Written comments can be submitted through Aug. 27 to ParkPlanning@folsom.ca.us with “Lembi Park Court Conversion” in the subject line.
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
