Pickleball Courts Approved for Lake June Park: Construction of the long-awaited pickleball courts at Lake June Park will begin in March, according to Lake Placid Town Administrator Charlette Rodriguez. The town council finalized the location after months of discussion, settling on a compromise site near the baseball fields and restrooms.
Rodriguez provided an update at the February 10 council meeting, stating that a surveyor has been hired for the project.
“A surveyor for the pickleball courts has been hired,” Rodriguez said. “It will be four weeks before the survey will be complete. The work will begin on the pickleball courts in March.”(Charlette Rodriguez)
The project dates back to March 2024, when the previous town council secured a $200,000 grant from the county’s Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee. The town contributed additional funds, bringing the total budget to $400,000. Initial plans placed the courts near a picnic pavilion, but a newly elected council revisited the decision, leading to debate. The compromise site offers better restroom access but lacks dedicated parking.
Concerns Over Playground Equipment
While progress on the pickleball courts moves forward, some council members are calling for improvements to the park’s playground. Council Member Colleen Charles has repeatedly advocated for new playground equipment, emphasizing the need for more family-friendly spaces.
“It would be a disservice to the families who want more family activities,” Charles said. “We’re going to be building a half-million dollar pickleball court next to dilapidated playground equipment.”(Colleen Charles)
Charles proposed using reserve funds for immediate upgrades, but Council Member Nell Frewin-Hays opposed the idea, pointing out that funding for playground improvements is already included in next year’s budget.
“I am not against playground improvements, but I am against using infrastructure (reserve) funds for that when it is already in the budget,” (Nell Frewin-Hays).
What’s Next for Lake June Park?
With construction set to begin in March, Lake Placid residents can look forward to new pickleball courts that will enhance recreational opportunities in the area. However, discussions about additional park improvements, including playground upgrades, are expected to continue.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Approved for Lake June Park
Lake June Park’s pickleball courts will begin construction in March after months of debate over the location. Council Member Colleen Charles called for playground upgrades, arguing that outdated equipment should also be addressed. The council confirmed that funding for new playground equipment is already included in next year’s budget.
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