Players offer to build pickleball courts on Severn Street if city supplies materials; council says budget constraints may limit help

A group of Hutchinson pickleball players told the City Council on July 1 they would volunteer labor to convert existing tennis courts on Severn Street into additional pickleball courts if the city supplies materials estimated at about $1,200–$1,500.

What was proposed: Dawn Beidler, who identified herself during public comment, told council the players “volunteer the help to prepare and strike the courts. All we ask for is the city to provide the money to buy the product with, which is probably in the neighborhood around $1,200 according to my calculation.” She described a plan to re‑mark tennis courts to create six pickleball courts and said the volunteers have construction experience and nets available.

Why it matters: Players said current court capacity is inadequate for demand; the city parks director and council acknowledged limited budget flexibility ahead of the next fiscal year but said volunteer labor reduces costs and that the request could be considered as staff works budget priorities. Councilmembers noted prior fundraising efforts in Rice Park and said the budget season is tight.

Council response and next steps: A councilmember said staff will take the request under consideration and that the city is in budget season; no formal city commitment or appropriation was made July 1. Staff indicated they would follow up with the volunteers and discuss materials purchase timing relative to budget constraints.

Ending: The players volunteered to supply labor and expertise; the council asked staff to evaluate the request and report back during budget discussions.