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Tullahoma board approves application for state grant to build outdoor pickleball courts; members urge caution on cost
Summary
The Board approved applying for a 50/50 state local parks grant to build outdoor pickleball courts at Cascade Park. Council members debated cost estimates ranging from $250,000 to more than $1 million and emphasized that applying does not obligate the city to accept an award.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to authorize the city to apply for a Local Parks and Recreation Fund (GrAMA) grant to design and build outdoor pickleball courts and related improvements at Cascade Park, while several members expressed concern about the project’s potential cost.
Parks and Recreation staff member Mister Craft presented a conceptual plan for up to eight outdoor courts in phased work; the first phase would include four courts and site amenities. “On page 46, 47, and 48 of your packet, you can see the RFQ we sent out to Lowe's design for a conceptual design for outdoor pickleball courts,” Craft said. He told the board the grant is a 50/50 matching program administered by the state Office of Outdoor Recreation and that the city could apply for $250,000, $500,000 or $750,000 versions of the project.
Several aldermen pressed staff on cost estimates and the city’s financial exposure. Alderman Thomas called the initial figures “pretty extravagant,” citing a project figure Craft described in presentation materials of $1,150,000. Craft and other council members stressed the application alone does not commit city funds and that the board would vote again if the city received an award. “We're not obligating any funds, not granted. Have to bring it back because there would be an agreement that you would have to agree to and sign,” Craft said.
Board members noted community benefits: the courts would expand recreation options, reduce pressure on indoor gym space and potentially attract new residents. Craft said the grant is a rare opportunity for state funds to cover half of construction costs. “This is the only time that we'll be able to get it for half price,” he said.
City staff described likely mandatory design elements: lighting, fencing, ADA access and stormwater mitigation. Craft identified Cascade Park as preferable because it already has restrooms and a parking lot. Board members requested that, should the city apply and later be offered funding, staff bring the exact construction bid and contract before the board for approval; members repeatedly said they could decline an award if construction bids were unaffordable.
The resolution to authorize application and allow the mayor to sign related documents passed by voice vote with seven ayes recorded.
