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Pella advances 20-year shared-use plan with Central College for tennis and pickleball courts
Summary
City staff presented a proposed 20-year shared-use agreement with Central College for public access to college tennis courts and a new pickleball expansion; the city would pay a one-time $300,000, Central would cover maintenance and scheduling, and staff recommended financing that could raise the tax levy by roughly 5 cents.
The Pella City Council reviewed a proposed 20-year shared-use agreement with Central College on a plan to open college tennis courts and an expanded 12-court pickleball facility to public use.
Staff described the proposal as a 20-year agreement under which the city would pay Central College a one-time fee of $300,000 to secure public access; staff estimated the total renovation and expansion cost at about $675,000, with Central responsible for ongoing maintenance, repairs and court scheduling. Staff said they would likely finance the payment through a general obligation bond that could increase the city’s tax levy by roughly $0.05.
The plan aims to make courts available to the public when not reserved by the college. Eric Bleay, identified in the meeting as vice president for athletics at Central College, told the council construction had started ahead of schedule, that concrete work was curing, and that staff expected a late-October target for courts to be playable depending on weather. “We started three weeks ahead of schedule … I’m ecstatic,” Bleay said, adding the college has nearby indoor restroom access during colder months.
Council members pressed for firm assurances on long-term public access and amenities; Central College representatives reiterated their intent to honor a 20-year term and to include restroom and scheduling details in the user agreement. Several council members signaled strong support for moving the agreement forward and asked staff to bring a formal contract back for approval.
The council did not take a formal vote on the agreement at the meeting; staff said a formal consideration would follow once contract language and financing details are finalized.
