Pickleball enthusiasts in Park City are about to gain a unique new venue as the Park City Planning Commission has unanimously approved a plan to transform a 15,000-square-foot bay at the Utah Film Studio into six indoor pickleball courts. This move not only addresses the community’s growing demand for pickleball facilities during the winter but also represents a strategic effort by the Utah Film Studio to diversify its revenue streams amidst a challenging downturn in TV and film production.

Last month, the City Council supported the Park City Recreation Department’s proposal to lease the space for a temporary pickleball facility. Scheduled to operate during winter months when demand for indoor recreation peaks, the courts are expected to be open from Feb. 1 through April 30 and again from Nov. 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, as well as Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Recreation Director Ken Fisher emphasized that the lease was designed to target high-demand winter months, noting there are sufficient outdoor courts available during the summer.

Balancing Recreation and Innovation

This partnership between Park City and the Utah Film Studio aligns with the Recreation Department’s goal of balancing demand for tennis and pickleball facilities. The proposed courts will increase access to pickleball while easing pressure on the Park City Municipal Athletic & Recreation Center’s tennis courts, which have seen increased demand from pickleball players.

Pickleball, a hybrid sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has experienced exponential growth in recent years. According to Pickleheads, there are now 36.5 million players in the U.S., with the largest age bracket (18-34) accounting for nearly 29% of players. The sport has grown by a staggering 223.5% over the past three years, and Utah Film Studio’s decision to enter this space reflects both its popularity and its potential as an alternate revenue source.

The soundproof bay at the studio ensures that pickleball play will not disturb nearby areas, with the city’s noise ordinance strictly enforced through measures like keeping exterior bay doors closed during games. The facility, located at 4001 Kearns Blvd., will be operational from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the possibility of extending hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. upon administrative approval. It will host reserved playtime, lessons, and clinics, accommodating up to 24 players at a time.

A Strategic Pivot for Utah Film Studio

For Utah Film Studio, the addition of pickleball courts represents a creative response to the ongoing contraction in the entertainment industry. As film and TV production volumes decline, studios across the nation are exploring alternate uses for their facilities to generate revenue. This initiative positions Utah Film Studio as a flexible and innovative player in a changing industry landscape.

“Certainly having the potential of six courts open seven days a week for 12 hours a day will help meet current demand,” Fisher said, highlighting how the facility will satisfy Park City’s winter pickleball enthusiasts while utilizing otherwise idle space at the studio.

There are no plans for new construction or changes to the building’s footprint, with a temporary restroom and at least 30 parking spaces allocated to pickleball players and employees. Situated in the Community Transition Zone, the facility is an approved use that complements nearby recreational offerings like the Park City Sports Complex and Round Valley Open Space.

A Growing Trend in Sports and Community Recreation

As pickleball continues to dominate recreational sports, Utah Film Studio’s move into this space underscores a growing trend of repurposing underutilized venues to meet community needs. With its proximity to Park City’s recreational hub and an innovative approach to maximizing space, the studio is poised to play a pivotal role in the city’s winter recreation offerings.

By embracing pickleball, Utah Film Studio diversifies its portfolio and strengthens its connection to the local community, proving that innovation in challenging times can create opportunities for both business and recreation.