Pickleball Security Upgrade: The Decatur City Council will vote Monday on whether to buy $81,000 in facial recognition cameras to secure Point Mallard Park’s new indoor pickleball and tennis facilities, following repeated vandalism that has caused $41,000 in damage even before the buildings officially opened.
Vandalism Prompts Security Upgrade
Officials say the cameras are needed after three recent vandalism incidents at the yet-to-open pickleball facility and one at the new tennis building. Police say all four cases remain under investigation. City leaders believe the added cameras will help deter crime and assist with identifying suspects.
Stephanie McLain, operations manager, told the Parks and Recreation Board that the new ClearSpan indoor structures are finished, but opening is delayed until life-safety systems, like fire suppression, are in place. Each facility cost $2.5 million.
The $81,000 proposal would bring this spring’s total camera-related spending to over $172,000.
Advanced Cameras Already in Use
The proposed cameras would expand the city’s existing Verkeda security system, which was used in March to equip the nearby Aquatic Center and campground with $91,059 worth of equipment.
Brad Phillips, city information systems director, said the Verkeda cameras offer high performance and reliability.
“I’ve got these cheap cameras in my home,”. “But they’ve got their limitations. There’s not the same level of quality.”(Brad Phillips)
He noted the city’s cameras are powered by ethernet rather than batteries, making them more practical for public facilities. He estimated the city now has about 150 Verkeda units.
“We wouldn’t have time to constantly change the batteries (if the city used the less expensive cameras),” (Brad Phillips).
Why Facial Recognition Matters
The Verkeda technology offers features such as motion detection, camera tampering alerts, and facial recognition. The company says the system can alert security personnel in real time based on preset search criteria.
McLain believes the facial recognition tools can help identify banned individuals or people who cause trouble.
“Let’s say we have someone at the water park who is being very ugly to one of my staff or something like that, we can find him and identify him,” (Stephanie McLain).
She said if a person has been banned, the cameras can recognize them and alert staff if they return.
Phillips said both park staff and Decatur police officers who patrol Point Mallard would monitor the system.
Possible Outcome and Significance
The City Council will make its decision at 6 p.m. Monday. If approved, the new cameras could go up soon after, adding a layer of security to facilities that have already faced issues before opening. Officials hope the technology will prevent future damage and improve safety at the park.
News in Brief: Pickleball Security Upgrade
The Decatur City Council may approve $81,000 in facial recognition cameras to stop vandalism at Point Mallard Park’s new pickleball and tennis centers. With over $41,000 in damage reported already, the city plans to expand its security system with high-tech cameras designed to improve safety and identify suspects.
ALSO READ: Unprepared Rookie Triumphs at Pickleball Tournament: Essential Tips for First-Timers