Committee approves $51,000 contract to convert Hart Park tennis courts into six pickleball courts

The Financial Affairs Committee approved a $51,000 contract with Midwest Seal Coat LLC to convert two eastern tennis courts at Hart Park into six dedicated pickleball courts.

Public Works Director David Simpson told the committee the project is included in the city’s 2025 capital improvement program and that the two eastern courts are suitable for conversion because they are not currently dedicated to the school district or recreation department. The city received six proposals; after rejecting the lowest, nonresponsive bid, staff recommended Midwest Seal Coat based on a prior resurfacing job they completed about six years ago.

The $51,000 price includes resurfacing to create six courts, six pickleball nets, and fencing to separate the new pickleball courts from the remaining tennis courts and to place a short internal fence between pairs of pickleball courts. Staff said the project would be offset by approximately $3,000 in community donations raised by local pickleball supporters.

Alderman Lewis, who led council efforts to add courts, said the conversion was “a long time coming” and noted neighboring communities have many more dedicated courts. He asked about timing; staff said construction is expected in summer, likely late summer, with an exact date to be determined.

Committee members also discussed hours of use and potential noise. Staff said courts would follow park hours (noted in the meeting as 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and that the location is not immediately adjacent to residences, though apartment buildings are across the street. The city’s consolidated fee schedule offers a reservable option so courts can be reserved by users; otherwise they will be first-come, first-served during park hours.

Alder Lewis made the motion to approve; it was seconded and passed on a voice vote recorded as 7–2–0.