The City of Fort Walton Beach expanded its recreational offerings Friday with the opening of five new pickleball courts at Ferry Park, bringing the city’s total to 21 outdoor courts.

• City Manager Jeff Peters, speaking at the newly constructed courts, said the project was approved in the past budget year and completed by city work crews.

“Our Public Works and Parks crews did a ton of great work here,” Peters said. The courts, which match the color scheme of nearby tennis facilities, opened at noon on Friday.

Additional amenities, including court lighting, vending machines, and sidewalks, will be installed within the next two weeks, according to Peters.

• The new Ferry Park courts join existing facilities across the city, including six courts at Mooney, six at Jet Drive and Holmes Boulevard, and four at the tennis center.

Looking ahead, Peters touched plans for a major expansion at the new athletic complex on Hollywood Boulevard. The project, which will soon go out for bid, includes plans for a 13-court pickleball complex featuring a stadium court with bleachers and eight covered courts, along with expanded parking facilities.

“Obviously pickleball is a growing sport nationwide, worldwide,” Peters said. “We’re just happy to be a part of it and try to be the leader in the community with new recreation amenities like this.”