Commission discusses tennis/pickleball courts, master plan and property option for park expansion

Commissioners reviewed several park capital and maintenance priorities, focusing on court resurfacing, the park master plan and a possible property purchase to expand park parking and facilities.

Court repairs and pickleball demand Commissioners and staff reported rising local demand for pickleball and said existing courts have multiple cracks and uneven surfaces that present a trip hazard. Park operations staff told the commission that the pickleball/tennis surface will likely need a full tear‑out and replacement rather than a patching job; anchors and net posts are failing and a resurfacing-only approach risks recurring cracking. One commissioner said converting a basketball court into dedicated pickleball courts is an option, and another commissioner cited a past estimate under $100,000 to replace the concrete on the tennis courts as a realistic, lower‑cost capital choice that would provide year‑round use.

Grant opportunities and master plan timing Staff and commissioners discussed pursuing a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant (previously applied for) and the local LPRF grant. Commissioners noted the park’s master plan must be refreshed periodically (discussion said a five‑year renewal cadence) and that a current master plan refresh would be useful before applying for major capital grants. The commission recalled that a recent playground project cost about $1.2 million and required a 50% local match; members said they will seek grants with smaller matches if possible.

Radio station property and longer‑term planning A commissioner raised the prospect of acquiring a nearby radio station property should it become available, saying the lot could provide valuable parking or expansion space for the park. Members agreed it was worth the mayor investigating the possibility quickly if the property becomes available. The commission moved and seconded a recommendation to permit the mayor to explore the potential purchase; the motion was put to a voice vote and carried (tally not specified).

Next steps Commissioners asked staff to obtain cost estimates for resurfacing or replacing the pickleball/tennis courts and to prepare grant applications where applicable. They also discussed timing a master plan update so it could support grant applications for larger capital projects.

Speakers listed in the meeting record included park operations staff, county staff, commission members and at least one resident active in pickleball usage.