Ione council approves adding pickleball to Howard Park courts; project funded largely with ACRA allocation

On June 3 the Ione City Council authorized staff to add pickleball to existing basketball courts at Howard Park, using an estimated $30,000 allocation discussed by Parks and Recreation staff. The council approved the addition by voice vote.

Parks and Recreation staff member Selena Mitchell described a low‑cost approach that would reuse existing concrete and removable nets so the courts can continue to serve basketball, tennis and pickleball users. Work would include removing modular tile on part of the courts, cleaning and preparing the concrete surface, painting new lines, and installing a center fence to separate play areas. Staff said most labor could be provided by city crews and that the largest contractor cost would be perimeter fencing; an initial fencing estimate was roughly $11,000 for an eight‑foot fence, though staff said the project could use a lower height to reduce costs.

Commissioners and council members praised staff work to keep the cost down. The council motion approved staff moving forward with the project and using the identified funding source to complete the work.

Why it matters: Pickleball is a popular and accessible sport; converting part of an existing court to accommodate pickleball and tennis provides more play options without building an entirely new facility or incurring the higher cost of a sport‑court contractor.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with the preparations described, confirm final fencing and resurfacing bids, and schedule construction to minimize disruptions to court users.