Pickleball Court Controversy at Avon Park: The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board and the City of Avon Park’s regular Board convened on Monday to review and discuss the budget allocation for the CRA’s upcoming fiscal year. Among the key topics was the decision to reallocate funds from the Donaldson Park splash pad project to enhance pickleball facilities.
Reallocation of Funds
CRA Chairman Rick Hayes initiated the conversation by proposing a reallocation of funds from the splash pad towards the development of eight “premier” tournament-quality pickleball courts. The original budget allocated $200,000 to the splash pad, which Hayes argued was insufficient given the rising costs of pickleball infrastructure. The new allocation would provide $550,000 for the pickleball courts and reduce the splash pad budget to $150,000.
This decision followed consultations with Dana Adams, president of the Sebring Pickleball Club, who indicated that the shaded courts would significantly boost usage, with play expected from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Adams supported Hayes’ assertion that the covered courts would attract more players and increase community engagement.
Specifications and Concerns
The proposed pickleball courts will feature shading and will be designed to meet tournament standards, with Hayes stating that the courts will have a perimeter space of at least eight feet, exceeding the previous standard of six feet. This additional space is intended to ensure compliance with tournament regulations and to enhance player safety and comfort.
“I actually made it bigger than that. So, it’s going to be up to the architect and engineer as far as the site work goes as to exactly how much free space we have.” – (Hayes)
However, questions about the adequacy of the budget for the splash pad arose. Public Works Director Jason Atkinson noted that the size and design of the splash pad are dependent on the remaining budget. Previous installations, such as the Harbour Village splash pad, cost approximately $130,000, but costs may have increased.
“The likely option will be a request for quote (RFQ) where installers will submit their qualifications to design, permit and install a system based off the City’s budget allocation.” – (Atkinson)
Maintenance and Budget Implications
CRA Board member Bill Jarrett raised concerns about the future maintenance costs for the new pickleball facility. He highlighted the absence of allocated funds for maintenance in the current budget and sought confirmation on whether these costs would be covered in future revisions.
“They’ll come expense later that is not in the budget today for the City. I’m very excited about it, but I want to hear affirmation that this is a good thing to have in this budget.” – (Jarrett)
Finance Director Melody Sauerhafer acknowledged that maintenance costs are not currently budgeted and may necessitate future adjustments.
City Attorney Gerald Buhr also addressed potential noise issues associated with pickleball and the impact on nearby residential areas. There have been discussions about limiting court hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to mitigate noise disturbances, a proposal supported by Mayor Garrett Anderson after consulting with residents.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Despite these concerns, city officials are optimistic about the benefits of the pickleball courts. Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard emphasized the project’s potential to enhance Avon Park’s status as a premier city and to drive local economic activity by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
“The investment in pickleball facilities is a step towards making Avon Park a more vibrant community. While there are challenges to address, the long-term benefits will likely outweigh the initial costs.” – (Barnard)
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Controversy at Avon Park
As the city moves forward with these plans, it remains to be seen how well the project will balance budget constraints with the anticipated community benefits. The allocation of funds and the project’s development will be closely monitored to ensure that the pickleball courts and the splash pad meet the community’s needs and expectations.
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