Lighthouse Point approves subsurface irrigation project for tennis center after cost debate

The Lighthouse Point City Commission on April 22 voted 4–1 to award a modified subsurface irrigation and renovation contract for the city’s tennis center to Fast Dry Courts Inc., authorizing expenditure of up to $788,733.75, which includes a $37,558.75 contingency.

Becky Ward, Parks and Recreation director, told the commission that Fast Dry was the sole proposer for RFP 2024007 and that the city could reduce scope to fit available funding by removing the western three courts from the subsurface‑irrigation work. Ward said the project was supported by a matching grant of up to $200,000 and that the updated proposal included a performance bond. “Fast Dry Inc. was both a responsive and responsible proposer,” Ward said, noting the revised scope and estimated total project cost of $751,175 for the core work.

Several commissioners said the price tag — which councilors and staff described in briefing materials as requiring roughly $588,000 from the general fund after grant reimbursement — gave them pause. One commissioner said the city already subsidizes the center and questioned whether the conversion would generate enough additional public use or revenue to justify the outlay. “I have a hard time giving back the grant when this is costing us now $600,000,” the commissioner said.

Other commissioners argued the conversion is an investment in infrastructure and resilience, citing reduced water use, less frequent shutdowns when pipes fail, and long‑term savings. One commissioner noted prior closures and a separate recent pipe burst that left courts unusable and called the conversion a conservative, environmentally driven step. “This is going to help with a lot of that drainage and keep the courts usable,” a commissioner said.

Budget details discussed in the meeting showed a $400,000 budget line (including a carried‑over $200,000 expected to be reimbursed by the grant). Staff confirmed the grant’s three‑year window and said the city has budget authority in the current fiscal year to proceed.

Public speakers representing the tennis advisory committee urged approval. Resident and advisory member Frank Terzo said subsurface irrigation would increase court availability and align the facility with neighboring clubs; Dana Pollock, also an advisory member, emphasized water conservation and the potential to host more USTA events. “I’m in full support of the new hydro courts and the other facility improvements,” Pollock said.

After discussion, a motion to adopt Resolution 2025‑2660 — awarding the modified scope to Fast Dry Courts Inc. and authorizing the agreement and funds — passed 4–1.

The city will proceed under the modified scope and execute the agreement with Fast Dry Courts Inc.; per staff remarks the contract will include the stated contingency and performance bond.