City-funded pickleball courts at SRP? Councilors Eran, Archival push proposal

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Two local lawmakers are moving to secure public funding and city support for the development of pickleball courts at the South Road Properties (SRP), including the possible conversion of a former Sinulog venue in City di Mare.

Councilors Harry Eran and Nyza Archival filed a resolution asking Mayor Nestor Archival to direct city offices to identify suitable government-owned properties for pickleball facilities and prioritize their inclusion in the city’s sports infrastructure program.

The measure, which forms part of the agenda for the Cebu City Council’s regular session on June 23, seeks to lay the groundwork for what could become Cebu City’s first publicly accessible pickleball courts.

City di Mare identified as priority site

Under the proposal, the councilors specifically identified a facility in City di Mare at the SRP that previously served as a Sinulog venue as a possible location for the project.

The resolution asks the mayor to direct appropriate city offices to:

Identify city-owned properties suitable for pickleball courts, particularly within City di Mare;

Evaluate the former Sinulog venue for possible conversion or adaptation into pickleball courts, either permanently or on a shared-use basis;

Prepare development plans, cost estimates, and implementation schedules;

Ensure the facility remains open and accessible to the public; and

Prioritize the project under the city’s sports and recreation infrastructure program.

Any development would remain subject to budgeting, procurement, zoning, engineering, and land-use requirements.

Growing sport

In their resolution, Eran and Archival cited pickleball’s increasing popularity among people of different ages and skill levels as one of the primary reasons for pursuing the project.

The councilors said public pickleball facilities could encourage active lifestyles, family-oriented recreation, and greater community participation.

READ: Cebu Pickleball Open 2026 set on June 27

“Pickleball is a growing recreational sport that is accessible to persons of different ages and skill levels,” the resolution stated.

The measure also emphasized the need to maximize city-owned properties for projects that provide direct public benefits.

Sports infrastructure investment

The proposal aims to expand Cebu City’s sports and recreational facilities amid growing public interest in emerging sports.

According to the resolution, public sports infrastructure contributes not only to physical health but also to youth development, social inclusion, and community engagement.

“Public sports facilities contribute to health promotion, youth development, social inclusion, and the general welfare of the people of Cebu City,” the measure stated.

If approved, the resolution would authorize the City Planning and Development Office, the Department of Engineering and Public Works, and the Cebu City Sports Commission to begin evaluating potential sites and preparing the technical requirements for the project.

Why City di Mare?

The councilors described City di Mare as a strategic location because of its accessibility, available space, and capacity to host large public activities.

They noted that the former Sinulog venue’s layout and size make it a potential site for multiple pickleball courts that could serve residents, visitors, and sports enthusiasts.

READ: Why pickleball is rapidly gaining ground in Cebu’s sports scene

The proposal stops short of appropriating funds or authorizing construction. Instead, it directs city offices to determine feasibility, prepare cost estimates, and identify funding requirements before the city moves forward with any development.

Should the proposal gain support from both the council and the executive branch, Cebu City could soon add pickleball courts to its growing roster of public sports facilities at the SRP.

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