Council refers pickleball-court plan to Parks and Recreation Board, bars interim spending

Parks, Recreation and Arts Director Chris Claxton presented observational data collected between Sept. 10 and Sept. 30 showing peak pickleball use in early evening and a secondary morning peak. Staff captured court images every 15 minutes and estimated that 6–7 pickleball courts were typically in use during peak evening hours, while three tennis courts were used most evenings.

Claudia Claxton (staff) explained options: retain the current shared configuration across 12 marked courts, or develop a dedicated pickleball complex on an adjacent soccer field that would require fill and reconfiguring existing space. Staff noted the city’s budgeted funds would cover eight courts and that the preferred park location benefits from existing lighting and distance from nearby homes.

Council conversation touched on seasonality of outdoor court sports, reservation practices, lessons and the potential to pair a new facility with a benefit-district financing tool. Several council members suggested referring the question to the Parks and Recreation Board for more detailed review of cost, layout and scheduling.

Motion and vote: Council voted unanimously to refer the pickleball proposal to the Parks and Recreation Board for additional review and to request a recommendation back to the governing body. The referral included a proviso that no design or construction funds be expended until the Parks and Recreation Board issues a recommendation.

What this means: The referral pauses city-funded design work and directs the board to analyze impacts to current programming (tennis lessons, rentals), lighting, noise and field scheduling before the governing body considers any budget appropriation.