Peachtree City approves design‑build contract for 18‑court pickleball complex at Mead

Peachtree City’s mayor and council voted unanimously to award design‑build services for a pickleball complex at the Mead site, authorizing staff to move forward with Target/Tarkett Sports’ design proposal for an 18‑court facility.

The decision follows a months‑long site review and a public work‑session in which city staff and Tarkett presented two layouts — a 12‑court option and an 18‑court option — and explained the design‑build process, schedule and warranty terms. Chris Hobby, a city staff member, told council that three proposals were received and staff narrowed the selection to Target/Tarkett, which provided separate design fees (listed in the packet as $198,310 for 12 courts and $214,243.81 for 18 courts) and a placeholder construction estimate of $1,000,000 for 12 courts and $1,300,000 for 18 courts.

Council members and residents pressed the consultant and staff on noise mitigation, stormwater and site layout. Scott George, vice president of design‑build with Tarkett Sports, described the company’s approach to post‑tension concrete courts, warranties and the collaborative design process: “We’re going to give you costs…here’s what an 18 court is, field construction. Here’s what 12 is. Here’s different amenities inside of it that we can click on and off, and really give you all the information so you can actually make those decisions yourself.” He also said Tarkett provides a 50‑year warranty on the slab and a 10‑year warranty on the playing surface.

Public comment at the meeting heavily favored the larger footprint. Several residents and organized players urged the council to approve 18 courts rather than 12, citing tournament requirements, anticipated demand and regional comparisons. “18 court facility would allow Peachtree City residents to stay in the area, load up their golf carts instead of their cars, go play pickleball, and then maybe enjoy lunch in Peachtree City instead of Newnan or Griffin,” resident John Riley said during public comment.

Council members asked staff to continue engaging the Recreation Advisory Group and to refine the design with neighborhood and operational input. Hobby said staff intends to bring the design back to the Recreation Advisory Group for review and then proceed with schematic designs and cost updates. Tarkett’s preliminary schedule shows a user‑group/design workshop in the coming weeks and a phased design and review process; construction could begin after final approvals and permitting, weather permitting.

After discussion, a councilmember moved to approve the award of the design‑build contract for 18 courts and the council voted unanimously to authorize staff to proceed with Target/Tarkett Sports on an 18‑court design‑build path. Staff emphasized that the design‑build method allows the city to control scope and costs during design to match budget constraints.

Council and staff noted next steps will include site stewardship (stormwater/detention choices), detailed sound‑mitigation planning and decisions about amenities — bleachers, championship court options, shade and lighting packages — as the design process advances.