Alexandria Approves Pickleball Courts: Alexandria, Kentucky, is set to welcome pickleball with the construction of two new courts at Alexandria Community Park. The city accepted a $148,675 bid from Riegler Blacktop, the only contractor to submit an offer for the project. The courts will be built where the old basketball court stands near the softball fields.
Higher Costs Raise Concerns
Some city officials expressed concern over the higher-than-expected cost.
“This seems a whole lot higher than what was anticipated on my end. When it was $100,000, I thought it was high. What are we doing with $148,675?” – (Alexandria Councilmember Stacey Graus)
City Administrator David Plummer clarified that $150,000 was budgeted for the project. However, initial expectations were to build three courts, not two, for that price.
Why the Price Increased
Several factors contributed to the higher costs, including a fence upgrade from eight feet to ten feet. The new fence, coated in black thermal plastic for weather resistance, added $10,000 to the total cost. To help lower expenses, the public works department will handle excavation, reducing labor costs.
Winter-Ready Features
The courts will have removable pickleball nets, allowing them to be taken down during the winter months.
“I’ll tell you, and I’ve got one you can get a portable net. So, if it’s December, and we’ve taken the nets down already, and someone has a kit. They can put a net up real easy.” – (Alexandria Councilmember Tom Baldridge)
News in Brief: Alexandria Approves Pickleball Courts
Alexandria is building two pickleball courts at Alexandria Community Park with a $148,675 bid from Riegler Blacktop. City officials raised concerns about higher-than-expected costs, but adjustments—like public works handling excavation—will help keep spending in check. The courts will have removable nets for winter use, allowing year-round play.
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