Council hears request for pickleball courts; members say they favor private funding over taxpayer dollars

Councilors discussed a regional request—submitted by residents of Palmyra Borough, North Londonderry Township and South Londonderry Township—asking the municipalities to construct pickleball courts. A letter dated Aug. 1 requesting construction of courts within the three municipalities was provided to councilors. Councilors and staff cited typical construction and maintenance costs: a speaker who had recently built two courts estimated an average construction cost of about $85,000 per court including fencing and suggested budgeting roughly $3,000 per year for maintenance. Several councilors expressed support for the idea but said they were not willing to fund new courts with taxpayer dollars given other budget priorities. One councilor suggested Memorial Park might have space for courts and said the borough would be open to allowing courts if third‑party funding or donor support covered construction and maintenance. “If they come up with the funds … place the money in the corner by the playground,” a councilor said, noting donors could receive recognition. Why it matters: Requests for new recreational facilities raise questions about municipal capital priorities, ongoing maintenance costs and equitable access; the council signaled willingness to host a court if external funding is secured rather than diverting borough funds. Next steps: Council did not authorize construction or allocate funds; staff indicated the borough has space in Memorial Park for courts if private funding or grants are secured.