Las Positas is moving forward with an $18 million athletics project that will add 16 pickleball courts, six beach volleyball courts and a new cross-country track to the campus.
The new facilities will be built east of the existing track and field, adjacent to the Public Safety Complex. Ann Kroll, LPC’s project planner and manager, confirmed that the plan was approved last spring.
The new courts will feature a 10-foot fence with wind screens, shaded benches, water fountains, Wi-Fi access, and seating for spectators. The spaces will also include exterior lighting, a sound system, and a scoreboard. All designed to make the space game-ready for both students and the community.
The project will also upgrade nearby restrooms to meet state code requirements. In addition, it will replace worn sound pads in the gym to improve acoustics.
Kroll said the goal of the athletic additions is to strengthen campus and community connections.
“Athletics bring the community together,” Kroll said. “Whether you’re an actual student participating in the event or a patron coming to watch the game, athletics brings people together. And for me, I’m just extremely excited to be able to be a part of the facility and help oversee the construction and make sure it’s a successful project.”
CURRENT SKETCHES provided by the athletic department for future sand volleyball and pickleball courts. The project is still in the early stages and construction is set to begin in fall 2026. (Infographic by Annie Moore/The Express)
The project is currently in the design phase, which will continue through spring 2026. Construction is set to begin in fall 2026, with completion expected by January 2027.
The project will be funded by bond proceeds and is budgeted at $18 million.
Kroll said the idea for the project came from the athletics department. A feasibility study was requested after noticing the growing interest in both pickleball and beach volleyball.
Pickleball is exploding in popularity because it’s easy to learn, social, and combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton — making it appealing across all ages. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the third year in a row in 2024, with over 13.6 million players –a 52% increase from the year before.
That number has more than tripled since 2020, when only about 4.2 million people played the sport. It has particularly gained traction among younger players and college students due to its low barrier to entry, minimal equipment needs and social nature. The rise of celebrity investors, televised pro leagues, and trendy pickleball clubs in major cities has only fueled the momentum.
“They see this [pickleball] as a sport that will get more students here on campus,” Kroll said. “And they’ll be able to grow that program itself.”
Beach volleyball, another focus of the project, has also seen consistent growth—especially in collegiate athletics. The NCAA officially recognized women’s beach volleyball as a championship sport in 2016, and since then, participation has grown rapidly. According to the NCAA, more than 90 colleges across the country now sponsor beach volleyball programs.
The sport’s accessibility and appeal have made it especially popular in California, where weather conditions and coastal culture align well with outdoor sports. The inclusion of beach volleyball courts at LPC puts the college in a position to potentially support a new women’s program or host local tournaments and community events.
Kroll said the project received input from Michael McQuiston, dean of Public Safety, Applied Technology, Transportation, Health & Kinesiology; Vice Chancellor Theresa Fleischer Rowland; Athletics Director James Giacomazzi; and Assistant Athletics Director Andrew Cumbo. The goal was to include voices from across academic and athletic departments in the development process.
The cross-country track addition also aligns with growing interest in running at the community college level. Cross-country programs typically attract students who enjoy endurance sports and team dynamics without the need for expensive equipment or facilities. By building a dedicated track, LPC is positioning itself to better support student-athletes in distance running— one of the most accessible and cost-effective collegiate sports.
Cross country also brings in regional and invitational events, which can boost campus visibility and community engagement. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has seen steady participation in cross-country events, with over 400 colleges competing in recent seasons.
The new athletic spaces at LPC won’t be reserved solely for student-athletes. The courts will also be open to the public, bringing more people onto campus. This aligns with broader trends in campus planning where community integration, wellness promotion, and multi-use facilities are becoming standard goals.
LPC hopes the upgraded facilities will serve as a hub for intramural sports, physical education classes, and recreational play, in addition to potential league matches and tournaments.
As the college continues to invest in athletic infrastructure, the project reflects a broader commitment to student life, wellness, and campus engagement.
“I’m always excited to expand any program, to bring students onto the campus,” Kroll said. “It just makes me happy to be able to give back to the students who are going to use this for years and years and years to come. Not only students, but the community as a whole will be able to use it.”
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TOP PHOTO: The construction of the new athletic facilities is set to take place by the soccer field in between Buildings B3700 and B3400. (Photo courtesy of Envato Elements)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJoseAnnie.
