Mitchell Approves New Pickleball Courts: The Mitchell City Council has approved funding for six new pickleball courts at Hitchcock Park, set for completion in August. However, a debate over the type of concrete to be used has sparked disagreement among council members, with concerns about long-term durability.
The council allocated $541,501 for the project, which includes professional services, construction costs, and contingency funds.
The courts will be built using conventional concrete rather than post-tension concrete, a method known to extend lifespan and reduce cracking. Council member Mike Bathke opposed this decision, arguing that durability should be prioritized over cost.
“If we’re doing it based on cost compared to quality, shame on us.” – (Mike Bathke)
Concerns Over Concrete Longevity
During the Feb. 18 council meeting, Bathke, who has nearly 40 years of experience in the concrete industry, emphasized the need for longer-lasting materials. He referenced other South Dakota cities, including Brookings, Watertown, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Huron, which have used post-tension concrete for similar projects.
“There’s a reason that Brookings, Watertown, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Huron all did it. It lasts longer, up to 50% longer. I have no skin in this game. I want to give the city and the pickleball players the best product we can that’s going to last the longest.” – (Mike Bathke)
City Attorney Justin Johnson presented photos of the current tennis courts at Hitchcock Park, showing cracks and raised sections due to conventional concrete. Bathke used these images to illustrate his concerns about future maintenance issues.
Project Funding and Cost Breakdown
The approved budget includes $62,500 for professional services, $399,001.10 for construction by Rexwinkel Concrete, and an additional $80,000 for unforeseen costs. Federal grants and local fundraising will cover $310,000, with the city responsible for the remaining $231,000.
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Nelson explained that the initial grant application estimated a total cost of around $400,000, which influenced the funding received.
“Back when we applied for (the grant) the engineering department projected the total cost, and at that point, we thought it would be just under $400,000. That’s why the grant came in at $195,000, because it would’ve paid for half of the project cost.” – (Kevin Nelson)
Future Implications
The new pickleball courts are expected to enhance recreational opportunities for Mitchell residents, particularly as pickleball continues to grow in popularity. However, concerns remain over how well the courts will hold up over time with the chosen construction method.
Bathke warned that opting for conventional concrete could lead to costly repairs down the line, citing issues already seen in the park’s existing courts. Despite these concerns, the council has decided to move forward with the project as planned.
News in Brief: Mitchell Approves New Pickleball Courts
The Mitchell City Council approved $541,501 for six new pickleball courts at Hitchcock Park, set to open in August. The pickleball courts will use conventional concrete, a decision opposed by Council Member Mike Bathke, who argued for longer-lasting post-tension concrete. Federal grants and local fundraising cover $310,000 of the project’s cost.
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