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Rexburg council directs staff to pursue six new pickleball courts at Smith Park after cost review
Summary
After reviewing three build options and cost estimates, the Rexburg City Council gave staff direction to pursue repurposing existing Smith Park tennis courts into six pickleball courts using a modular tile surface and to return with vendor bids and contract options.
The Rexburg City Council on a unanimous procedural vote directed staff to pursue converting Smith Park’s underused tennis courts into six pickleball courts, after a staff presentation compared three construction options and associated costs.
Finance and parks presenter Matt Nelson told the council the city had budgeted $370,000 from the general fund for courts but urged caution because reserves were expected to approach the city’s 25% minimum policy. Nelson said the most expensive option—a four‑court post‑tension concrete build with acrylic surface—received no competitive bids and one contractor later estimated the work at about $540,000. “We received no bids,” Nelson said during the presentation, noting that a single follow‑up contractor’s price far exceeded available funding.
Nelson outlined two lower‑cost alternatives: a painted concrete option with a bid of about $266,000 (site prep and lighting not included, with an estimated total near $310,000–$350,000 when those items are added) and a modular synthetic tile system that could be floated atop repaired existing courts. He told the council the tile approach could bring the project in roughly between $145,000 and $190,000 depending on tile choice and site repairs.
Council members pressed staff on several points: whether the surface would be tournament‑eligible, how nearby residents might be affected by noise and parking, and whether the school district and other community partners would be willing to negotiate shared use and fees. Nelson said the modular tile surface is generally recreational (not currently accepted for professional sanctioned tournaments) but offers advantages such as reduced joint stress for players and quicker installation; he also noted the tile surface permits play shortly after rain because water drains under the tiles.
Several council members emphasized demand for play over elite competition. One council member said the community would likely prefer more courts even if they were not tournament grade. Concerns about parking at Smith Park were raised; staff noted the west side curb near Smith Park may require repair and that some players might park on the north side and walk to the courts.
On cost and funding, Nelson recommended pursuing grants and seeking multiple vendor bids. The council gave staff direction to have the two vendors already engaged walk the Smith Park site, produce designs and firm bids quickly, and return to council with contract options; no binding contract will be signed until the council approves the final terms. The mayor also asked staff to engage the school district about consolidating pickleball play so tennis courts and scheduling can be coordinated.
Next steps: staff will solicit formal bids from the vendors already contacted, present cost estimates and contract language to the council, and return with a recommendation. If the council approves a contract, the city will proceed with procurement and any required site repairs or fencing adjustments.
