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Low signups put North Vernon pickleball tournament at risk; staff cites sunk costs
Summary
Staff reported just 17 players registered for an August pickleball tournament and cited about $1,600 already spent on equipment; councilors urged outreach to local pickleball groups and discussed whether to cancel, reschedule or proceed.
Parks staff member (S2) told the council registrations for the planned August pickleball tournament are low — about 17 players reported — and the tournament director suggested cancelling or moving the event to a later date. Staff said the registrant deadline is Aug. 16 and that rescheduling risks the same low turnout later in the year.
"The refund would be whatever they paid," staff said when describing the financial implications of a cancellation. Staff estimated the department has already spent about $1,600 on additional nets and website fees and said refunds would be roughly $1,000 to current registrants if the event is cancelled. Councilors recommended contacting local pickleball organizers, using the tournament website to communicate with registrants and considering running the event with a smaller field rather than incurring sunk costs by cancelling.
Staff provided a breakdown of fees: a $55 registration fee plus per‑event charges and site fees, and noted communications with players have been by email. The council asked staff to pursue local outreach and to report back on whether enough teams sign up by the deadline to justify proceeding.
