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Council hears park-improvement plan; pickleball courts top CDBG priorities
Summary
Engineers and staff briefed the council on proposed park improvements funded by a CDBG grant, prioritizing two pickleball courts, sand-volleyball court and playground upgrades; council discussed scope, funding and phasing.
Fountain Green engineers and staff told the City Council the park-improvement project tied to a Community Development Block Grant will focus first on two covered, lighted pickleball courts, then a sand‑volleyball court and new playground and site amenities.
Why it matters: the project is tied to CDBG funding that requires the city to complete the full project scope or commit local match if partial work is done; staff said the timing means construction cannot start until after July 1 under the grant terms.
What staff presented: designers showed a layout placing two year‑round pickleball courts under the larger park bowery with lighting for evening play, and a sand‑volleyball court just south of the playground. Engineers flagged earthwork and grading at the volleyball location because of small slopes and existing barbecues to remove; they also said the playground and sidewalk work along 100 South (toward the school) is part of the same package if leftover funds remain.
Costs and phasing: staff and consultants said the pickleball courts are the most expensive single item (a full court/base, surfacing and lighting); if bids exceed available funding the city will consider phasing (pickleball first, volleyball and equipment later) and may trim accessory items. Staff recommended moving forward to design and bid to get accurate numbers.
Other project notes: engineers recommended coordinating tree protection and avoiding damage to large trees during sidewalk work; staff said the sidewalks and crosswalks work is funded under a separate grant and can’t begin until July 1 per grant rules. Council members asked for clarity on chain-link fencing condition at existing courts and expressed interest in exploring grant support for scoreboard speakers and conduit for year-round utilities.
Ending: Council asked staff to continue design and get bids, to check options for scoreboard and lighting conduit and to coordinate with park users on schedule and phasing. Staff and the consultant emphasized the need for complete designs for the CDBG contract and to avoid mid-project scope gaps.
