Tucker Pickleball Project: The City of Tucker will decide on May 12 whether to approve a $3 million contract for a new pickleball project. The plan includes building 12 pickleball courts, new tennis and basketball areas, better parking, and stormwater control. The city council will also vote on a $73,317 noise barrier contract.
Plans for New Recreation Upgrades
The Tucker City Council may award the contract to Complete Site LLC during its public meeting at 7 p.m. on May 12. The meeting will allow public comments. While the courts and lights will cost about $650,000, most of the $3 million covers other features like tennis courts, a basketball court, added parking, and water control.
The council will also consider a noise-reducing wall from Acoustiblok to lower the sound from the new courts. This is the only change being made to address the nearby neighbors’ complaints. Some opponents have threatened legal action.
Years of Public Debate
The pickleball project has faced criticism from some Tucker residents. On April 11, the city officially paused the project due to many emails and public comments from locals near the recreation center. These residents also dismissed the city’s noise study and shared their own sound report challenging the results from Arpeggio LLC.
The city explored other possible locations, but Parks and Recreation Director Rip Robertson said, “Due to the lack of detailed plans or site conditions these [sites] did not provide any significant cost differences.”
Strong Support, Then Loud Opposition
The city first saw strong support for the idea. In March 2023, the council approved a $77,000 design contract with Root Design Studio. Many pickleball players came to show support. But by the following year, a large group of opponents began speaking out at meetings.
Root Design Studio created the project plans. The initial project bid came to $2.6 million. Then, the city added a bathroom and pavilion, raising the cost to $2.9 million. With extra funds for unexpected issues, the total reached $3.14 million.
City Response and Community Concerns
After an October 2024 meeting where the public voiced many concerns, the city held a follow-up meeting in November 2024. At that meeting, Tucker Mayor Frank Auman said,
“We’re a little bit off the rails on this project, not in the normal process, and we’re hoping to get everyone back on the same page as to where we are and maybe what’s next.” – (Auman)
The city then received a sound study from Arpeggio LLC, which suggested adding a noise wall. They also got a site study from Perez Planning. According to Perez, the best places for the new courts are the Tucker Recreation Center, Fitzgerald Park, and the northeast area of Henderson Park.
What Happens Next
The city council’s vote on May 12 will likely shape the future of the pickleball project. The outcome could settle a long-running debate between supporters who want more recreation options and neighbors who worry about noise and crowding. A final decision could either move the project forward or restart the planning process.
News in Brief: Tucker Pickleball Project
The Tucker City Council will vote on May 12 on a $3 million plan for new pickleball courts and recreation upgrades. The project has caused major public debate for over a year. The vote could decide if the city builds the courts or reconsiders its plans.