Elko Council approves park rehab bids solicitation after months of planning and community input on pickleball courts

Elko City Council authorized staff to solicit bids for a park rehabilitation project to add and upgrade outdoor pickleball, handball, and basketball courts at Main City Park and Southside Park, with construction slated to begin in September 2025.

James (parks staff) presented detailed plans describing post-tension concrete slabs, cushioned surface coatings for pickleball courts and bid alternates for benches and landscaping. He explained construction timing constraints related to required temperature windows for surfacing and NRS advertising and contracting timelines.

Local pickleball player Jane Zugazaga urged greater community consultation on court orientation and noted prior frustrations over timing; she said players had previously worked with staff and rotary clubs to improve earlier makeshift courts. Zugazaga asked whether courts could be oriented north-south to reduce sun interference; James replied that orientation flexibility was limited by existing slab geometry and underground slab cable layouts but noted the team had consulted advisory board members and held multiple meetings.

Councilmembers expressed support for moving forward, praising the technical detail and community engagement. A motion to solicit bids passed by voice vote.

Staff said some bid alternates (benches, bocce court, additional amenities) will be included for budget flexibility and that the project team will attempt to stage work to minimize weather-related delays and to consider ADA access and gate locations. The council directed staff to proceed with the advertised solicitation and to continue outreach to advisory boards and the pickleball community.