Flagstaff council approves $2.17 million contract to remake Bushmaster Park courts amid debate on trees, parking and noise

The Flagstaff City Council on Tuesday approved a $2,168,892 contract with Hope Construction to rebuild the sport courts at Bushmaster Park, adding eight dedicated pickleball courts, resurfacing two tennis courts and replacing two basketball courts.

The project will be paid from the BBB Recreation special revenue fund balance, with $100,000 contributed by Beautification Arts & Sciences for landscaping, council heard. The city will also replant trees proposed for removal and install new shrubs and site landscaping.

Why it matters: The council’s approval responds to heavy and growing community demand for pickleball courts, addresses safety problems with cracked surfaces at Bushmaster and aims to keep local players from traveling to other towns. Supporters also argued new courts could spur tournaments and bring visitors to Flagstaff; opponents warned about tree loss, nearby parking capacity and noise for adjacent neighborhoods.

City parks staff told council the project appears after multiple prior discussions and two design efforts. Amy Hagan, parks project manager, said design documents were completed…