Evanston’s Pickleball Court Costs Spike: Evanston, IL The planned installation of pickleball courts at James Park has hit a financial snag, forcing city officials to reconsider both the scope and location of the project. Originally budgeted at approximately $87,000 per court, the projected costs have soared well beyond expectations, prompting discussions within the city council’s Finance and Budget Committee.
City Engineer Lara Biggs outlined the challenges during a recent briefing, highlighting the complexities of integrating the courts into the available space near Mount Trashmore, a popular sledding destination. Because of its sloped terrain, the chosen site, situated between a parking lot and the hill’s base, requires extensive regrading and the construction of substantial retaining walls. Moreover, the area’s history as a former landfill mandates additional expenses for the removal and disposal of soil as non-hazardous special waste.
Initially planned for four courts, the current estimate places the cost at approximately $550,000, nearly doubling the original budget to nearly $138,000 per court. Recognizing the increasing demand for pickleball, the Parks Board advocates expanding the project to six courts, which would entail further adjustments, including relocating the mulch storage area depicted in recent photos.
The expanded scope pushes the total projected cost for six courts to nearly $900,000, averaging $150,000 per court. Despite the increase in costs, Biggs argues that building six courts now would ultimately be more cost-effective than installing four and potentially adding two more in the future.
Potential interference with sleds descending from Mount Trashmore led to the dismissal of concerns over relocating the court to the north to avoid the mulch storage area. This logistical challenge underscores the intricate balancing act faced by city officials as they navigate unforeseen capital expenses.
The Finance and Budget Committee’s upcoming session will not only address the pickleball court project but also explore strategies for managing unbudgeted capital expenditures, reflecting broader fiscal concerns within Evanston.
For residents and officials alike, the pickleball court project has become a focal point for balancing community recreational needs with responsible fiscal management in a challenging economic environment.
News in Brief : Evanston’s Pickleball Court Costs Spike
Evanston’s plan for pickleball courts at James Park faces financial hurdles, with costs now nearly doubling initial estimates. Originally budgeted at $87,000 per court, the project’s expanded scope to six courts could total $900,000 due to terrain challenges and landfill-related expenses. City officials, debating relocation and scope adjustments, grapple with managing capital expenditures amidst community demand and fiscal constraints. The Finance and Budget Committee seeks solutions in an upcoming session, highlighting broader concerns over responsible fiscal management amid economic challenges in Evanston.
