Leesburg pickleball project faces timeline and lighting constraints; town estimates spring/summer opening

Staff briefed the council on the status of the town's new pickleball courts project, reporting that bids were received and that the anticipated construction contract runs roughly 240 days, which will likely carry much of construction into spring and early summer. Staff estimated site work could begin in October–November and that court surfacing would likely wait for asphalt plants to reopen (typically late February to early March), with court surfacing and final completion possibly occurring in May and an opening targeted for June.

Why it matters: The timeline affects programming, tournament scheduling and how the council plans events tied to court openings.

Project details discussed included a lighting constraint on the fifth court: town staff said the proximity to a property line limits permissible light spill to 0.5 foot-candles on the adjacent property, which creates a design challenge for lighting the fifth court. Staff noted portable lights are a likely interim solution used by players after hours, and council members cautioned that neighbors may complain about both insufficient and excessive lighting.

Staff also warned that asphalt and surfacing work is weather-sensitive and that colder temperatures can prevent final surfacing until asphalt plants reopen; as a result, site work through winter may be possible but final surfacing will most likely wait until spring.

Ending: Staff said they expect a September contract award and will return to council with firm dates and a construction schedule.