Council discusses pickleball options and approves $32,060 splash‑pad repairs at Lions Park

Councilmember Judd Beagley presented cost estimates and options for installing two pickleball courts at Lions Park during the Dec. 18 meeting, telling colleagues that turnkey professional bids and a locally split-contract approach produced similar price points. He said a professional turnkey bid for just the two pickleball courts came in around $85,000 while a locally split approach (concrete, fencing, painting) totaled roughly $75,000 but would not carry the same warranty or slope/quality guarantees.

"So together, they came to 75,000, which is really comparable to the same price as having a company that does this professionally do the whole job from start to finish with a warranty," Beagley said, noting the tradeoffs between cost and long-term durability. Council members agreed to pursue updated professional bids and to investigate grant opportunities in next year’s budget before committing to installation.

On a separate parks item, council reviewed a revised splash‑pad repair bid for Lions Park that pared down an earlier, more expensive proposal to include only the parts and work judged necessary. The revised bid was $32,060 and covered two new interactive water features and a new controller with programming; the contractor will warranty the work. A councilor expressed concern about a small 'jumping' spray feature creating slick surfaces and suggested prioritizing the articulating waterfall option; council approved the repair and directed staff to use additional funds already allocated for concrete and painting to reduce slick spots.

The council did not authorize pickleball construction at this meeting; staff were asked to return with firm contractor bids and potential grant options in the coming budget cycle.

The splash‑pad repair was approved and slated to be scheduled by parks/maintenance once contracting details were finalized.