Commission hears 95% pickleball design; staff await grant award before next steps

The commission received an update on Jan. 13, 2025 on the 95% construction drawings for the city’s proposed pickleball courts and related site amenities.

Parks staff and consultants reported the following design elements under consideration: spectator seating to be placed in the public common area after construction (rather than cabana seating between courts), a small pavilion for tournament registrations or organized activities, different rebound‑wall options, perimeter fencing and provisions for security cameras, and remote timer locks to control court access outside park hours.

Accessibility and parking: staff said they are working to improve accessible access without extensive changes to a nearby bioswale that could trigger additional stormwater permitting. The project team discussed placing accessible stalls near the facility entrance and routing circulation to minimize costly rework.

Phasing and funding: consultants and staff confirmed the design can be phased if grant funding is partial. The department is awaiting a response from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) regarding a community outdoor athletic field grant; staff said that award level will determine whether the city can build the full project at once or pursue a phased approach. Park subcommittee members and commissioners emphasized the value of including landscaping or a berm with shrubs to screen noise and views for adjacent properties.

Next steps: staff said final construction documents are being prepared and that timing for construction will depend on grant funding and potential phasing decisions. No formal vote was taken.

Quote from the meeting

“We are still waiting to hear back from RCO on the grant allocation,” a parks staff presenter said. “At that point we’ll have some real conversations about implementation and timing and what funding, if needed, would be required.”