Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation Pickleball topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Farragut approves $892,742 contract to build nine-court pickleball complex at Mayor Bob Leonard Park
Summary
The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen awarded a $892,742 contract to Baseline Sports Construction to build a nine-court, LED-lit pickleball complex on the site of Soccer Field 6, with work aimed for completion by October 2025.
The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 8 approved a $892,742 contract with Baseline Sports Construction to build a nine-court, LED‑lighted pickleball complex at Mayor Bob Leonard Park on the site of Soccer Field 6.
Ronald O'Streich, the town's parks and recreation director, told the board the project follows 18 months of discussion and multiple design reviews and bids. “For the past 18 months, the pickleball situation at McPhee Park has been well documented and discussed ... All of these discussions have led to this exciting proposal before you,” O'Streich said.
The recommended scope includes nine LED lighted pickleball courts, interior and exterior fencing, two handicap parking spaces and an exterior shaded seating area. Staff received two qualifying bids on April 10, 2025; Baseline Sports Construction submitted the low bid and alternates totaling $892,742, while a second bid from Geo Services Midwest had a higher base and alternates.
Staff and the designer flagged a regulatory constraint: adding more courts would disturb additional land and exceed a one‑acre threshold, which would require approval of a stormwater pollution prevention plan and updated plans that officials said could delay the project 60 to 90 days and likely increase cost beyond the board's $1,450,000 allocated budget. O'Streich said the board's decision to accept the Baseline bid allows the town to begin immediately and target completion by October 2025.
Residents and board members spoke in favor of the move. Resident George Ellis said the relocation “just fixed a problem by voting to move pickleball where it should not bother others,” and thanked staff and aldermen for the outcome. Alderman Burnette noted the favorable bid results and backed accepting the $36,000 alternate to resurface McPhee courts, calling being under budget “a good thing.”
The board voted to approve the contract by recorded voice; the motion passed unanimously. Work is expected to begin after contract execution and required permitting.
