Troy council approves Firefighters Park pickleball courts, sets June 30 completion target

Troy City Council on April 7 approved construction of new dedicated pickleball courts at Firefighters Park, awarding the contract to the low bidder, authorizing construction administration spending and adopting a budget amendment to fund the project.

The project, presented by Public Works Director Kurt Bovensee, was pitched as a response to sustained public demand for courts and as a cost-efficient use of an existing park site with restroom facilities. Bovensee told the council staff reviewed about 25 regional sites and determined Firefighters Park best met needs such as restroom access and court positioning and incorporated neighbor suggestions including wind screens.

Council members and staff emphasized speed and community engagement. Bovensee said the contract includes a June 30 completion date and liquidated-damage provisions should the contractor miss that deadline: "we did request a June 30 completion date. So this is gonna be a very fast moving project." He also said staff had reached out to nearby residents and resolved a scheduling/location concern raised by the Troy Cowboys youth organization by providing an irrigated soccer field in place of the previously used area.

Council members praised staff for finding funding and responding to residents. "When we identified we could move as swiftly as we did, is very much appreciated," Council member Hodrick said during debate. Multiple council members noted the project would increase the city’s dedicated pickleball courts from four to 12 when complete and that rules or informal self-policing by players would likely manage heavy usage.

The motion to award the contract and approve the related budget action was moved by Council member Hodorick and supported by Mayor Pro Tem Gunn. The council vote recorded affirmative votes from Mayor Baker, Council members Brooks, Chanda, Hamilton, Hodorick and Mayor Pro Tem Gunn. The motion carried.

Construction administration will follow a pre-construction conference; staff said they will announce a groundbreaking date after that meeting. The council discussion left room for future conversations on more courts and how the city will manage heavy demand once the new courts are in use.

Votes at a glance: The council approved the standard purchasing resolution to award the Firefighters Park Pickleball Courts contract, authorized expenditure of budgeted funds for construction administration, and approved a related budget amendment; outcome — approved.

The council did not adopt a formal operational policy for court scheduling at the meeting; staff said rules are likely to be developed with input from players and park managers. The project is scheduled to be available for play this summer assuming contractor compliance with the June 30 deadline.