HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Hackettstown will open its newly upgraded pickleball and tennis courts on Friday, Aug. 1, offering expanded access to outdoor recreation on Warren Street.
The facility, originally built in the early 1970s and previously owned by the Hackettstown Board of Education, had significantly deteriorated over time. In 2015, the Board planned to remove the courts and repurpose the space as a parking area due to the high costs of maintenance.
Recognizing the importance of the courts—which remain the only public outdoor tennis facility in the area—the Hackettstown Recreation Department proposed assuming responsibility for the site and restoring it. In May 2016, ownership of the property was officially transferred to the town.
That summer, the Recreation Department performed general repairs to make the courts usable again. However, the facility continued to decline, eventually requiring a full upgrade.
After reviewing private contractor bids ranging from $250,000 to $300,000, the town opted to manage the project in-house. Through strategic budgeting, the Recreation Department estimated the cost of the full project—including milling and paving—at approximately $115,000 to $120,000.
In 2024, the town received a $70,000 Recreational Improvement Grant from the State of New Jersey. The Hackettstown Town Council approved the remaining $50,000 needed to fund the renovation, and work began in September 2024.
Surface paving was performed by a local contractor, while the remainder of the renovations were completed by the Hackettstown Recreation Department with assistance from the town’s Department of Public Works.
The newly upgraded facility includes:
- Three pickleball courts
- Two tennis courts
The courts will officially open for public use on Aug. 1.
Rules posted at the site include:
- Use courts at your own risk
- Pickleball and tennis only
- Tennis shoes required
- No food, glass, or alcoholic beverages
- No smoking or vaping
- No pets allowed in the court area
- No bicycles, roller blades, or skateboards
- Do not abuse nets or other equipment
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- One-hour time limit if others are waiting
- First-come, first-served basis
- No paid lessons, events, or tournaments without prior approval
- Court hours: dawn to dusk
- Please clean up after yourself
“Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, we invite everyone to enjoy this improved recreational space,” officials said.
