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Grand County approves funding, contractor for OSTA pickleball courts and playground
Summary
After months of community advocacy, the Grand County Commission awarded contracts and approved funding shares for new pickleball courts and an adjacent playground at the Old Spanish Trail Arena complex.
Grand County commissioners approved contracts and budget allocations to build dedicated pickleball courts and a playground at the Old Spanish Trail Arena, following months of public advocacy from local players and a nonprofit club. The commission voted unanimously to select Brenner Sport for the courts and Burke Playgrounds for the playground; the motion was made by Commissioner Martinez and seconded by Commissioner McGahn.
The project budget totals $1,273,232, with about half requested from grant funding and the rest split between the county and city partners. County staff said the county’s share will be about $636,006.16 and Moab City has pledged matching funds toward the pickleball portion; the city’s share was described during the meeting as roughly $110,000 toward the courts. County procurement staff said the county followed its procurement policy and that the final contracts will return for legal review before execution.
Pickleball players and organizers filled the commission chambers during the meeting’s public-comment period. Players described regular displacement from locations where they currently play (middle school, high school, community gym) and stressed pickleball’s role for seniors’ physical and social well‑being. Members of the Friends of Moab Pickleball Club and the Crimson Web Pickleball Club told commissioners their organizations are incorporated, staffed by volunteers, and prepared to help with maintenance, tournament organization and court upkeep.
Commissioners who spoke in support said the project meets a clear community demand, would bring visitors who might extend stays in Moab and that volunteer support reduces ongoing maintenance costs. A county staff member said some additional concrete and electrical work would be covered through grant funding and that county counsel will review final contractor agreements before execution.
Work remains to finalize a memorandum of understanding between the county and club volunteers that will govern maintenance contributions; county staff and the clubs said volunteers have already pledged annual hours for upkeep. Construction timelines will depend on final contract execution and delivery schedules; commissioners asked staff to return with the final contracts for legal review before the county signs them.
The commission’s approval concludes the public phase of selection and moves the project into contract finalization and permitting. Local club members said they will coordinate with the county and Moab City on tournament scheduling and volunteer arrangements.
Ending: The vote was unanimous. Commissioners did not set a construction start date at the meeting; staff said they would return with final contracts for county-attorney review before work begins.
