The Common Council will vote in March on a $685,000 plan to significantly expand pickleball courts at Loughran Park, responding to the sport’s growing popularity in the community. The proposal aims to increase the number of courts from two to ten, funded by the city’s recreation trust fund reserve.
Funding and Project Approval
Jack Schoonmaker, the project manager, presented the plan to the Common Council’s Finance and Audit Committee on February 14.
The committee unanimously approved the budget transfer, allowing the full council to vote on the project at their meeting on March 5. This funding comes from fees collected from developers, ensuring no taxpayer money is used for the expansion.
Expansion Details
The project will involve demolishing the current playing surfaces and fences at Loughran Park. Schoonmaker explained that new asphalt surfaces will be installed, creating eight dedicated pickleball courts where the former tennis courts were located.
Additionally, two hybrid courts will accommodate tennis and pickleball, catering to a wider range of players. To ensure inclusivity, two of the courts will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing access for players in wheelchairs.
The improvements will also feature new black chain link fences and an upgraded drainage system using a bio-retention method to enhance water management between the courts.
Enhanced Community Recreation
The expanded facilities will remain within the existing footprint of Loughran Park, located at Manor Place and Charlotte Street. Schoonmaker noted that USA Pickleball ambassadors have informed him that, once completed, Loughran Park would become the largest pickleball facility in the region.
Currently, the park sees 60 to 80 people playing pickleball on a typical Saturday. The courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis, similar to other city park facilities, although players can also schedule games through the USA Pickleball website.
Implementation Timeline
The Parks and Recreation Department plans to post USA Pickleball’s courtesy rules for players, though Schoonmaker emphasized that the courts are not a USA Pickleball facility.
Players are encouraged to bring their paddles and wait for ongoing games to conclude before using the courts. The department is moving forward on a “rush schedule” for the project and is nearly ready to go out to bid.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring, with an emphasis on completing the work before the start of the Summer Camp program at Loughran Park at the end of June. Schoonmaker highlighted the importance of timing, stating,
“Loughran Park has one the largest groups in the city. We can’t have construction there when kids are there.” – (Schoonmaker)
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts at Loughran Park
The Common Council will vote on March 5 to expand pickleball courts at Loughran Park. The $685,000 plan will increase the number of courts from two to ten, enhancing recreational opportunities for the community. Construction is set to begin in spring and is expected to be completed before summer programs commence.
ALSO READ: Country Club Sues City Over Pickleball Court Ban—Legal Battle Heats Up!