West Point Community Demands Pickleball Court: West Point is on the verge of a significant recreational upgrade, as local leaders and community members rally behind a new proposal that could bring a state-of-the-art pickleball and basketball court to South Park.
The West Point Community Club, spearheaded by Deina Merschbrock and Willie Ward, recently presented a bold vision to the city council that aims to revitalize community sports facilities and meet the growing needs of local residents.
Big Plans for South Park Pickleball Court
Merschbrock and Ward’s proposal marks a crucial moment for West Point’s recreational landscape. Their plan includes a multi-functional sports court featuring both pickleball and basketball facilities, designed to cater to a wide range of community activities. Merschbrock highlighted the community’s desire for this project, emphasizing the club’s commitment to reinvesting in local amenities.
“So what we would like to do is offer funding for a new basketball/pickleball court in South Park,” she mentioned. “It would be very similar to the one that’s up here [at city square park]. We are just waiting on the vote of approval for our July meeting.”
Funding and Features for the Pickleball Court
The Community Club is prepared to invest up to $30,000 into the project, with current estimates placing the cost at around $25,212. This investment covers the creation of a 30×60-foot court, the installation of two high-quality Goalsetter basketball hoops, and the addition of a surface-mount retractable pickleball net.
“I’ve heard from more people that you get a breeze and the stinker moves,” Merschbrock mentioned. “So these would actually be mounted on the concrete. The net is retractable. So all people have to do is bring your paddles and their balls.”
Seeking City Support for the Pickleball Court
For the project to proceed, the club is seeking assistance from the City of West Point in two key areas: site selection and long-term maintenance. The proposal asks the city to collaborate on finding the optimal location for the new court and to assume responsibility for maintaining the court and equipment once the construction is complete.
“We’d like the city to help us figure out where do we need to put this, with the intention of okay, maybe we’ll invest in something in the future,” Merschbrock mentioned, “or we can we place it somewhere that if we want to put night lights out there, electricity, utilities, if it is already there or does it need to be put in.”
Next Steps
City Council members are already considering the proposal, with Council Member Bruce Wellman suggesting that the former tennis court location might be the ideal spot due to its proximity to parking. Council Member Larry Buchholz also emphasized the importance of considering amenities like restrooms for future users.
Looking ahead, Ward indicated that construction could begin as early as Spring 2025, contingent on the city council’s decision. A team of city employees and community club members will be formed to finalize the site selection and present a detailed plan to the council.
“I don’t know what your thoughts are of where to put it,” Ward said. “It’s been brought up to put like what the old tennis court was before. I know there’s been talk of also putting it at the end of the new trail out in that area.”
As West Point looks to expand and enhance its recreational facilities, this pickleball and basketball court project stands out as a potential game-changer for local sports enthusiasts. If approved, it will not only provide new opportunities for residents but also set the stage for future community investments.
News in Brief: West Point Community Demands Pickleball Court
West Point is gearing up for a major recreational upgrade as the West Point Community Club proposes a new pickleball and basketball court at South Park. Club leaders Deina Merschbrock and Willie Ward presented their plan to the city council, which includes a $30,000 investment for a 30×60-foot court with top-notch basketball hoops and a retractable pickleball net.
They seek city support for site selection and ongoing maintenance. With potential construction in Spring 2025, the project aims to meet the needs of a growing community and enhance local sports facilities. Council members are considering various site options, including the old tennis court location.
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