Ed Hayes Park Pickleball Court Delays: The construction of new pickleball courts at Ed Hayes Park in Bourbonnais, Illinois, has come to a stop. Village officials are now looking for a new contractor to finish the work after problems with the playing surface caused the original company to pull out.
Work Stalls After Contractor Withdrawal
The project, which began in 2024, was meant to bring four new pickleball courts to the park. The foundation has already been poured, but the top playing surface is missing. The company in charge of applying the surface quit after their product failed to bond with the concrete.
“We had some issues with the group that we had a contract with, and they backed out, and now we’ve got to look at planning for that,”
said Village Administrator Mike Van Mill. Mayor Jeff Keast added,
“When they came, they were trying to bond in the cracks, and their product didn’t bond with our concrete. Basically, the product didn’t work. Their specific product didn’t work on it.”
Aiming for Fall Completion
The estimated cost of the project is $275,000, including $100,000 from a state grant. To save money, Bourbonnais public works staff poured the concrete foundation themselves, saving around 40% of the cost, according to Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga.
Cool weather in fall 2024 and a wet spring in 2025 caused early delays. Now that the contractor has backed out, more time is needed to find a new partner and finish the courts. The village hopes work can begin in September.
“We’re looking at several options, but it looks like September is when work could begin,”(Terry Memenga).
The courts need three days and nights of temperatures above 55°F to cure properly, which makes weather a critical factor.
Additional Work Still Pending
Along with the court surface, workers still need to complete other park features. This includes finishing a pavilion, installing a water fountain, fencing, and landscaping. Public Works Committee Chairman Randy King shared updates on these items at a recent board meeting.
Pickleball’s Popularity Raises Pressure
Pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in the country. In 2023, 8.9 million people played the sport, up from 4.8 million in 2022. Courts have been built in nearby cities like Kankakee, Bradley, and Manteno.
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, 19% of adults in the United States played at least once in the past year.
Despite the setbacks, Mayor Jeff Keast said,
“It’s frustrating, but from the same standpoint, we are making sure that we’re going to give the quality product that our residents deserve.”
News in Brief: Ed Hayes Park Pickleball Court Delays
Bourbonnais officials are facing delays on a $275,000 pickleball court project at Ed Hayes Park after a contractor’s materials failed to bond with the court’s concrete surface. Officials hope to restart work by September and complete the courts in time for fall play. Weather and planning remain key concerns.
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