Pickleball Courts Coming to Galena: The Galena City Council approved a contract for new pickleball facilities at Recreation Park last week, despite the costs exceeding the initial budget. The council voted 5-2 to accept a $420,027 bid from Louie’s Trenching Service, which includes installing pickleball courts and relocating existing volleyball courts.
Budget and Fundraising Efforts
In May 2024, the council committed up to $150,000 for an eight-court complex. A citizens’ group pledged to raise the remaining funds. However, the group has only raised $119,924 so far, with some funds already allocated for professional design services and an acoustical study. This has left a deficit of nearly $200,000.
Interim City Administrator Jennifer Schmidt noted that the additional costs could be covered through further fundraising or the city’s general fund reserves. She stated that these reserves should be sufficient to bridge the gap and mentioned the possibility of re-prioritizing other projects in the upcoming budget sessions for the 2026 fiscal year.
Community Support and Council Concerns
Members of the citizens’ group spoke in favor of the project during the meeting, emphasizing the need for pickleball courts.
“Cities everywhere, even small communities like ours, are fully funding pickleball court projects like the one we have proposed tonight. Pickleball is an amenity that we should all expect to see in our park.” – (Shirley Rosenthal)
Multiple council members supported the project, believing it would benefit the community. “There’s a lot of citizens of Galena, taxpayers, that play pickleball,” said Council Member Jerry Westemeier. He added that the courts could attract tournaments, bringing visitors and revenue to the town. However, Council Members Cindy Johnson and Cindy Tegtmeyer raised concerns about the high costs.
“It’s going to keep growing, and hopefully, they’ll have tournaments that can bring people into town and spend money. I think it’s a tremendous idea.” – (Jerry Westemeier)
“I want to make sure, before we give the final approval of almost a half a million dollars, that we’re paying attention and we’re treating this equally with other projects.” – (Tegtmeyer)
Both members acknowledged the value of pickleball courts but questioned prioritizing them over other city needs.
“I think we can do it, but I’m just not convinced of the priorities of something like this over other projects that we need to do with that money.” – (Tegtmeyer)
Next Steps for the Project
The council ultimately approved the bid, but city officials have not determined when construction will begin. The ongoing fundraising efforts from the citizens’ group will be crucial in addressing the budget shortfall and ensuring the successful completion of the pickleball facilities.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Coming to Galena
The Galena City Council approved a $420,027 contract for new pickleball facilities at Recreation Park, despite costs exceeding the initial budget. A citizens’ group continues fundraising, having raised $119,924. The project aims to enhance recreational amenities in the community, although construction timelines remain uncertain.
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