Commission directs staff to study converting Fort Nugent basketball court to three pickleball courts
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Summary
After extensive public comment and staff updates on an eight‑court Fort Nugent pickleball project, the Oak Harbor Recreation Advisory Commission voted unanimously to have staff prepare cost estimates and options to convert a Fort Nugent basketball court into three permanent pickleball courts with fixed posts and lining.
The Oak Harbor Recreation Advisory Commission voted unanimously to direct staff to study converting a basketball court at Fort Nugent Park into three permanent pickleball courts and to return cost estimates and options to the commission and city council. The motion empowers staff to assess removal of basketball hoops, installation of permanent net posts, court striping, and related site work; funding and final construction would require subsequent council appropriation.
Staff told commissioners that the larger Fort Nugent eight‑court project is nearly design‑complete: the site development permit has been submitted and permit intake fees were paid, and stormwater design work was finishing. Staff said two Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant applications submitted in early 2024 were unsuccessful; with plans expected to be presented to council in October, staff estimated a likely build window of 2026–2027 depending on funding.
Public commenters urged a faster, interim solution. Darren Cook of the Whidbey Pickleball Association said the community “need[s] courts now” and recommended Fort Nugent because it already has bathrooms and parking. Chief Warrant Officer Chris Granger said current courts are cracked and unsafe and that “temporary paint lines on tennis and basketball courts don't fix the problems.” Resident Yelsi Canales described knee pain from poor court surfaces and said permanent courts would improve safety and participation.
Commissioners discussed tradeoffs. Several members agreed Fort Nugent is attractive because it concentrates facilities in one searchable destination and can help neighbors become accustomed to increased activity and noise. Concerns included displacing basketball users, the emotional response in the community when existing amenities change, and parking impacts. Staff said permanent posts must be set in concrete, which complicates returning the space to multi‑use, and recommended including costs for fencing and accessibility in estimates.
The commission’s motion directs staff to gather estimates and explore options; the measure passed unanimously. Staff will return with cost estimates, design options (temporary nets vs. permanent posts, fencing, lighting), and a recommendation to present to council at an upcoming workshop. Any construction would require council approval and appropriation of funds.
Background: Staff described interim options discussed by the athletics subcommittee, including painting lines on existing courts and temporary nets, and reported that some evaluated sites (such as Coochie Park) were unsuitable because of size and proximity to homes. The commission also heard that nearby Windjammer courts see different usage patterns and that the larger Fort Nugent eight‑court proposal aims to meet long‑term demand.
