San Dimas council allocates $49,500 to convert Lonehill Park tennis court to four pickleball courts

San Dimas City Council voted unanimously to allocate $49,500 to convert a tennis court at Lonehill Park into four pickleball courts and directed staff to conduct community outreach within 500 feet before purchasing optional acoustic panels.

Scott Wasserman, the city’s director of Parks and Recreation, told council members the construction estimate to reconfigure a tennis court into four pickleball courts is “approximately $30,000,” and said the full project cost listed in the staff report — used for budgeting — was $49,500 because it included optional items such as acoustic paneling.

Wasserman said staff contacted the local school district about converting one of its courts at the sports complex; the district declined, noting the tennis courts belong to the district even though the city supports maintenance of the area.

Councilmembers debated whether to budget or purchase $20,000 in acoustic panels. Staff said the panels are optional and not commonly purchased by other cities, and several councilmembers supported budgeting money for the panels but withholding purchase unless the community raises noise complaints.

A councilmember moved to allocate the $49,500 for conversion at Lonehill Park, authorize staff outreach to residents within 500 feet of the site, and to withhold purchasing acoustic panels unless community complaints indicate a need. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.

Councilmembers asked staff to hold the acoustic-panel budget for a limited period (discussion centered on 12–24 months) so funds would be available if noise complaints materialize; staff will return to council if significant opposition arises.

A councilmember also requested a ribbon-cutting when the courts are complete. The council gave staff direction to proceed consistent with the vote.