Commission backs James Rogers Park rebuild without pickleball courts, may use FEMA funds

The Lynn Haven City Commission voted to rebuild James E. Rogers Park using a design that excludes pickleball courts. Staff had presented multiple design options, including basketball and playground only, or basketball plus pickleball. Commissioners and staff raised concerns about noise, increased traffic and parking demand associated with pickleball courts in that neighborhood.

Staff noted the park project is eligible for up to $1.2 million from an HMGP/428 project allocation (FEMA) but warned that FEMA reimbursement timing can slow city cash flow; staff said unused FEMA funds could instead be applied against the city hall rebuilding account. The Commission approved the design without pickleball courts and noted the option to add pickleball courts later should neighborhood demand or funding change.

Public commenters representing nearby residents expressed divided views: some favored pickleball courts for recreational use; others cited noise and traffic concerns. Staff said the selected design preserves space to add courts in the future if desired and if funding is available. The Commission’s vote to proceed without pickleball cleared the project to advance to design and bidding.