A Sporting Chance? Bossier City Hopes Pickleball Revives the Deserted Boardwalk.

The Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City is soon to welcome its latest addition, an indoor pickleball facility. The Boardwalk's owners are hopeful that the new sports complex will breathe new life into the riverfront property. But many locals aren't sure if the Boardwalk will last much longer, even with the new location.

The Louisiana Boardwalk's Bleak Reality

Alongside Bossier City's indoor shopping mall, the Louisiana Boardwalk has seen a decline over the last decade. Littered with empty storefronts, the Boardwalk looks light a ghost town with its design meant to look like a city street. Even more depressing is the sight of the trolley rails that seemingly never get any use these days.

The Mayor of Bossier City recently fought for a meeting with the property's owners to get an understanding of their side. How that meeting went depends on who you ask. According to The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, Mayor Chandler said the meeting went well, but according to Councilman Hammons, "it was a very worthless meeting."

The only plan the property owners have right now is to hope that the newly announced pickleball courts will bring in new business to the Boardwalk.

A Hub For Pickleball, But Not the Boardwalk

While pickleball is incredibly popular and has a growing audience in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, it might not be enough to save the Boardwalk as it currently is. The company, The Picklr, has signed a 10-year lease with the Boardwalk and is sure to become a hub for pickleball players in the area, but not likely to become the heart of a shopping revival.

The Boardwalk's initial appeal was more than just a shopping center on a river; it was an Outlet mall. Now that outlet shopping is mostly done online, which has hurt all shopping malls, the only way to survive is to adapt. Pickleball will create new business for the Boardwalk, but it won't be enough to change the trajectory of our once-favorite shopping center.