During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed design for a new park, which includes several recreational amenities such as pickleball courts, a BMX pump track, and a playground. The council reviewed a schedule of values outlining the costs associated with these additions, noting that any extra funding would need to come from hotel tax dollars.

Brandon Beatty from Sossaman Construction presented the plans, indicating that the current designs are at 70% completion, allowing for adjustments to be made based on council feedback. The council was asked to approve the general plan and consider any additional elements they wished to include.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the inclusion of pickleball courts. Staff recommendations initially did not support these courts due to concerns about noise and budget constraints. Council member Good Draper highlighted a call from Billy Nicholson of the park association, who expressed worries that the noise from pickleball could disrupt the park's ambiance. Draper questioned the inconsistency of this concern, noting that volleyball, another proposed sport, could also generate noise.

The council debated the necessity of pickleball courts, with some members arguing that they would be a valuable addition, as there are currently no public pickleball facilities in Greenwood. They emphasized the growing popularity of the sport and the potential for high usage if the courts were built. One council member pointed out that other local facilities already have multiple pickleball courts, suggesting that redundancy should be avoided in the new park's offerings.

Concerns were also raised about the BMX pump track's management, with questions about whether it would require staffing or if it would be left unsupervised. The consensus seemed to lean towards a self-regulated model, similar to other parks in the area.

Ultimately, the council is faced with the decision of whether to allocate approximately $112,000 for the pickleball courts, weighing the benefits of increased recreational options against budgetary limitations. The meeting underscored the ongoing discussions about community needs and the importance of providing diverse recreational opportunities for residents.