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Lebanon council approves Jimmy Floyd Center renovation after racquetball‑court amendment fails
Summary
After a large public turnout urging preservation of racquetball courts, the Lebanon City Council voted to approve the Jimmy Floyd Family Center renovation package but rejected an amendment to retain one racquetball court, which failed 4–2.
The Lebanon City Council approved a renovation package for the Jimmy Floyd Family Center on June 2, after heated public comment and a failed amendment to retain a racquetball court.
Residents and longtime users urged the council to preserve the center’s racquetball courts during the public‑comment period. "The racquetball courts are an important part, an outlet for exercise, fellowship, and healthy living," said Forrest DeGates, who told the council the courts are the only racquetball courts in Wilson County and provide multi‑generational value. Mark Taylor and other speakers gave attendance examples and said the courts host multiple sports and volunteer coaching.
Council discussion focused on cost, space and community use. One councilor said keeping a single racquetball court would add an estimated "an additional $300,000 to the cost of that renovation," and other councilors pointed to data discussed in prior work sessions showing high demand for expanded group‑fitness and weight training space. Councilors voted on an amendment to preserve one racquetball court; the amendment failed on a recorded vote, 4–2. The council then voted to approve the renovation package as presented (the renovation passed by roll call vote).
Supporters of the courts asked the city to explore alternative designs or outside investment if the renovated facility no longer includes racquetball space. Councilors and staff noted the renovation figures were preliminary and that final costs could change when the project is bid. The council split the renovation from the general budget so voters could consider the project separately before final adoption.
The renovation approval followed a formal division of the question from the general budget; the council assigned a new ordinance number for the renovation package and approved that package at the separate vote. The council did not adopt any amendment to reinstate additional racquetball facilities during this meeting.
The next procedural step is final design and bidding; councilors said the project may return to the council with firm bids and any required budget amendments.
