Council tables pickleball decision after staff study flags cost, code and aesthetic issues

City staff presented the results of a review into potential sites for pickleball courts on the city’s east side and recommended caution in converting existing water‑feature sites.

“After their thorough inspection they found significant regulatory challenges present at all 3 of our locations including those that surround health and safety code concerns, building code deficiencies, and compliance with State Water Conservation guidelines,” Recreation Services Superintendent Sherry Titus said, summarizing an outside consultant’s findings. The Aquatic Design Group estimated reconstruction of a water feature at roughly $1.5 million per site; full removal was estimated at $50,000–$75,000.

Titus told the council she would not recommend installing a fence around courts sited in the central pond area because of liability and aesthetic concerns: “I would not recommend installing any fences.” Councilmembers and park users debated alternatives such as converting tennis courts to dual‑use, partnering with county facilities, or developing a larger tournament‑style facility that could be planned as a capital project.

Residents who spoke urged earlier morning hours for summer play and raised concerns about crowding at other nearby courts. Several councilmembers said they favored a more comprehensive plan rather than piecemeal installations across parks.

Councilmember Barrows moved, and Councilmember Johnson seconded, a motion to table consideration of the item until after the March election; the motion passed 4–0.