Pickleball Courts to Replace Skateboard Equipment: Plans to install three pickleball courts at Swearingen Park in Napoleon have been approved, replacing the current skateboard equipment. The decision follows the growing popularity of pickleball among older adults and will be included in the 2025 budget. The new courts will feature a resin/plastic surface, offering a gentler playing experience compared to traditional concrete.
Changes to Swearingen Park Design
Along with the pickleball courts, the updated park design includes plans for two bocce ball courts and a putting green. However, these features will be added in a future phase due to budget constraints.
The decision to replace the skateboard equipment with pickleball courts aims to better cater to the changing recreational needs of the community.
Controversy Surrounding Skateboard Equipment
The decision to remove the skate park has sparked debate within the community. Parks and Recreation Director Tony Cotter acknowledged that the skate park, originally donated by the Napoleon Police Union in 2009, has been important for many local residents.
As a result, several options have been discussed, such as relocating the skate equipment to Oakwood Avenue or auctioning it off for charity. Ultimately, the board decided to store the equipment on city property and revisit the issue in the future.
Community members, including Nate Saneholtz, have voiced strong objections to the removal of the skate park. Saneholtz argues that the skate park serves a broader range of recreational needs, especially for younger individuals, compared to more structured sports like pickleball.
He plans to present a petition in support of keeping the skateboard equipment during the next board meeting on February 26.
Next Steps
The board will continue to discuss the future of the skate park and pickleball courts at the upcoming meeting. The community’s involvement in the discussion will likely shape the final decisions regarding the future of recreational facilities at Swearingen Park.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts to Replace Skateboard Equipment
Plans to replace the skateboard equipment at Swearingen Park with three pickleball courts have been approved by the Napoleon Parks and Recreation Board. The move is in response to the increasing demand for pickleball, though the fate of the skateboard equipment remains a point of contention. Further discussions will continue at the next meeting on February 26.
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