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Pickleball facility deferred in budget; public urges lighting and surfacing upgrades for existing courts
Summary
City staff said the planned pickleball courts were deferred to prioritize water and wastewater life‑safety projects, but public speakers urged upgrades to lighting and surfacing at existing courts so evening play is possible. Staff said it will review lighting options and consult with USD 308 about possible use of school courts.
City staff told the council Oct. 7 that a proposed new pickleball complex was included in a deferred list during the budget process to preserve funds for higher‑priority life‑safety water and wastewater projects. City Manager Enrico Villegas said the project was put into a deferred bucket to keep the overall budget and potential mill levy impacts smaller while the city pursues SRF and other funding for utilities.
Multiple members of the public urged the council to either finish or upgrade the existing courts to make evening play viable. Don Beidler, a local player, said the existing site “didn't get a finished court” and that lighting is insufficient for night play; he urged resurfacing and better illumination and cited growing local participation. Jack Neuber suggested surfacing and installation costs could be reduced and encouraged staff to explore lower‑cost fixes.
Staff and council discussed alternatives such as restriping existing tennis courts for daytime pickleball, reviewing the lighting at Severance/Elm courts and talking with USD 308 about using school courts; staff committed to re‑examining lighting and surfacing options rather than immediately building new courts. Council members noted community interest but asked staff to prioritize existing infrastructure and to return with options and cost estimates.
