The Oak Ridge Town Council on Sept. 4 reviewed McGill Associates’ concept and an opinion of probable cost for Phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park and authorized staff to solicit qualifications from design firms to prepare detailed engineering and construction documents.

Consultant Jim Ford (presentation provided in absentia) and parks staff summarized public input collected at a July drop‑in meeting and an online survey. Of 831 survey responses, pickleball courts received the highest “high interest” rating; other popular items included an adventure play area, basketball courts and water play as a write‑in.

The concept plan centers sports courts on a prepared pad, showing eight pickleball courts plus two tennis courts, shaded spectator areas, expanded sidewalks to improve field access, and roughly 49 additional parking spaces near Scoggins Road. The consultant provided a planning‑level cost estimate of about $1.8 million for the full concept; staff cautioned that bid prices can vary and the estimate is a planning tool.

Adrian Eckenrod, co‑chair of Parks and Recreation, said the committee wants to preserve at least three new elements to keep the park competitive for grant opportunities and noted concerns about parking and expenses for water features. “We think a traditional splash pad would not fit well with this phase now given water and parking constraints,” Eckenrod said.

Council and Parks and Recreation members discussed surfacing, fencing and spectator space for courts; the pickleball community recommended a more premium court surface and individual court fencing, which raises costs but improves playability, staff said. Several council members asked staff to seek cost‑sensitive options and to consider the long‑term maintenance needs of shade structures, court resurfacing and lighting.

After debate about timing, funding and how to stage construction, the council authorized staff to prepare a request for qualifications (RFQ) for design services and to explore grant opportunities (including PARTF) that could offset construction costs. Staff noted a CIP process currently sets aside funds annually and additional budget decisions will be required before construction if design estimates confirm the concept.