City Council evaluates Whites Park planning for potential pickleball court development

The Danville City Commission held a special-called meeting on May 21, 2025, to discuss the planning and budgeting for potential improvements at Whites Park, particularly regarding the addition of pickleball courts. The primary focus of the meeting was to evaluate the proposal for a $600,000 budget allocation for the project, while emphasizing the importance of a thorough planning process before committing funds.

City officials expressed the need to collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Department to determine the best location for the courts, as the initially proposed site near the tennis courts has not garnered sufficient community support. The commission agreed that it would be prudent to allow the planning process to unfold, gathering bids and assessing the overall costs before making any financial commitments.

Concerns were raised about whether the proposed budget would adequately cover the costs of the project, with discussions hinting at the possibility of phased development. Officials acknowledged that while the county has committed $600,000 to the project, the total investment might exceed this amount, necessitating further discussions on how the city might participate financially.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining clear boundaries regarding land ownership, particularly since Whites Park is a county park. City officials reassured attendees that they would respect county leadership in the planning process and would only consider financial participation once a clearer picture of the project's scope and costs emerged.

In conclusion, the commission's approach emphasizes careful planning and community input before moving forward with any financial commitments, ensuring that any future developments at Whites Park align with both city and county interests. The next steps will involve continued collaboration with county officials and further evaluation of the project as it progresses.