MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — The City of Marco Island has approved plans to convert two tennis courts located at the Marco Island Racquet Club into eight pickleball courts. 

“I think it’s needed. Nobody’s really playing tennis. Very few people playing tennis… and I’m a former tennis player, so I was sympathetic in the beginning,” said Bob Waldeck, a local pickleballer. 

The city council approved the renovation project at a meeting on September 5, according to city records. 

“It’s really fantastic. I know there’s a waitlist here of 300-plus people. The wait time during season is astronomical,” said Ali Gaskill of Marco Island. 

Discussions are still ongoing on repurposing the remaining tennis courts, adding more parking and building a new clubhouse on the property, per the assistant city manager. 

The largest project, which would add nearly 100 parking spaces, could cost in the $5 million range. 

“There’s people that want to play here — that can’t get in here because they don’t have enough parking. They don’t have enough courts,” added Waldeck. 

Construction is set to begin on the two tennis courts in the fall of 2023. More involved plans will be discussed at the next city council meeting. 

“There’s time during season where people will wait thirty minutes to play on a court. That’s disheartening,” said Gaskill. 

This is an ongoing story. Count on ABC7 for more information as talks continue.