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Board backs Rainier Vista expansion with wheelchair‑accessible pickleball court and safety netting
Summary
The Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation Board recommended moving ahead with 30% designs for Rainier Vista Park expansion that add four pickleball courts (including an accessible championship court), two outdoor table‑tennis tables, stormwater improvements and optional 40‑foot safety netting; the project remains within a roughly $919,000 budget with about $530,000 in grants and donations.
The Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation Board recommended approval of 30% design plans on April 1 for a major upgrade at Rainier Vista Park that would add four new pickleball courts, including a widened and lengthened championship court suitable for wheelchair play, two outdoor ping‑pong tables and stormwater and pathway improvements.
Project staff said the 2024‑approved total budget is about $919,000 and that the city has secured roughly $530,000 in grants and donations to date, including $25,000 from the Thirstston County Pickleball Association and a park foundation contribution. A design contract with local firm RWD Landscape Architects and technical support teams was executed in January for about $130,000. Staff presented a preliminary construction estimate of $730,000 and an overall design-and-construction subtotal of about $861,000, leaving roughly $60,000 for administration and construction support within the current authorization.
The 30% concept addresses recurring safety and drainage concerns at the site. Staff said errant softball fly balls have at times forced alternating closures of softball and pickleball areas; the design proposes about 40‑foot netting on the outfield side to reduce those conflicts. Planners also described stormwater measures to address a low, muddy area east of the current courts and relocations of walkways and bleachers to improve circulation and viewing for the championship court.
Board members and public commenters emphasized features community members requested, including lighting and covered courts for year‑round play; staff said those items are outside the current budget but could be pursued later. The design includes surfacing specified for heavy play; staff estimated resurfacing as a long‑term, recurring cost and said the city collects user fees for tournaments and rental activity to help offset maintenance.
Schedule milestones presented to the board call for completion of 60% design this summer, 90% design later in the year, 100% bid documents in January 2027, bidding in February 2027 and construction in spring/summer 2027. Staff said they plan to keep existing courts open during construction where possible and to use temporary fencing during work.
The board moved and the recommendation passed by voice vote to advance the design into the next phase, with staff to return with 60% documents and refined cost estimates.
