Pickleball Complex Construction Delayed: Construction of the long-awaited pickleball complex at Burlington’s City Park is expected to finish by early April, six months behind schedule. The delay, caused by a series of issues, including weather setbacks and unexpected construction challenges, has pushed back the original target date.
Multiple Delays Set Back Completion
City officials had initially planned to complete the complex in September, but cold weather and other obstacles have delayed progress. Tony Laws, Burlington’s director of recreation and parks, explained the series of issues.
“First, there was the rerouting of a sewer line…Then, the architect had specified a certain light pole that we found out after looking into it was going to take us 42 months to get,” he told The Alamance News.
Despite these setbacks, workers are currently applying acrylic layers on the 17-court facility. After this step, the courts will need to be painted before they are ready for play. Officials are hopeful that construction will wrap up by early April.
Work Continues on Additional Courts
The pickleball complex is not the only project in progress. Additional courts are being developed at Fairchild Park as part of the same $4.7 million contract approved by the city council. While the timeline for these courts is also affected by delays, the overall project is progressing as planned.
City Prepares for Pickleball Program Launch
Even with the construction delays, Rachel Vinson, manager of the city’s pickleball program, is preparing for the facility’s opening.
Vinson presented her fee schedule to the city council, emphasizing that Burlington residents will have free access to the courts on a first-come, first-serve basis. For those wishing to reserve court time, a $5 fee will apply.
Vinson also proposed monthly membership rates for residents, which include access to clinics, tournaments, and other programs.
Memberships will be available at $20 for individuals or $35 for households. Non-residents will only be allowed on the courts as guests of Burlington residents and will have to pay $7 each.
Operating Hours and Court Usage
Vinson also outlined the pickleball courts’ operating hours, which will mirror the city’s tennis complex. Courts will open at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Closing times will vary based on the season, with courts closing at 8:00 p.m. from November to March and at 9:00 p.m. from April to October. On Sundays, courts will close promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Looking Ahead
Despite the delay, Vinson assured the council that the pickleball program would be ready as soon as the facility is completed. “As soon as they are ready,” she said, “we will be out there,” signaling the city’s eagerness to begin offering programming to its residents.
News in Brief: Pickleball Complex Construction Delayed
Construction of Burlington’s new pickleball complex has been delayed by several issues, pushing the expected completion to early April.
While the project moves forward, the city is preparing a fee schedule and operating hours for the new courts to offer residents a wide range of pickleball opportunities once completed.
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