Pickleball Courts Face Unexpected Delays: Excitement is building in Battle Ground as the city prepares to open its first-ever pickleball courts at Kiwanis Park. However, unexpected delays have pushed back the project’s completion to early spring 2025, much to the anticipation of residents.
Project Overview and Delays
In May 2024, Battle Ground awarded a $1.2 million contract to Tikka Masonry to improve Kiwanis Park, using a combination of parks and general funds. Located at 422 SW Second Ave., Kiwanis Park serves as a community hub, and the addition of six new pickleball courts is a significant milestone.
The courts will replace two basketball courts in the park’s southeast corner, and a new basketball court will also be built on the park’s north side. The improvements extend to a new picnic shelter at nearby McConnell Park.
The pickleball courts, the first of their kind in Battle Ground, are expected to draw in pickleball enthusiasts from across the area. The courts will feature a cover for year-round play, along with a sound barrier to minimize noise for nearby residents.
Challenges and Adjustments
Originally expected to be completed by late 2024, the project faced delays due to issues with the initial structural plans for the courts.
Engineering technician Chris Meyer explained that revisions were necessary to meet safety standards and building codes. These adjustments ensure that the courts can withstand environmental factors like earthquakes and heavy snow.
“Being able to keep up with the interests of our community and fulfilling that goal is kind of where the minds came together to dream up what might be useful and desirable for our residents.” – (Communications Manager, Alisha Smith)
Community Excitement
The delay has not dampened the excitement among local residents. Meyer noted that there has been strong community interest in the project, with many asking about the courts at events and council meetings.
“There’s a lot of excitement … a lot of interest. I feel like when we do different meet-and-greets in the community, people even just coming to council meetings, I’ve had people stop and say, ‘Hey, when are we gonna get to play pickleball in Kiwanis Park?’ So I think there’s more folks that are eager to get out there and start playing. That’s the bulk of the feedback at least we’ve heard.” – (Meyer)
Completion and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
With the project now 65% complete, city officials are aiming for completion by early spring 2025, barring further setbacks. Once finished, the city plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the long-awaited addition to Kiwanis Park.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Face Unexpected Delays
The completion of Battle Ground’s first pickleball courts at Kiwanis Park has been delayed to early spring 2025. The $1.2 million project, which includes six new courts and additional park improvements, faced delays due to structural plan revisions. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held once the project is completed.
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