City Park Pickleball Complex Controversy: The city of Burlington, North Carolina, spent nearly $4 million to build a 17-court pickleball complex near City Park. It opened in May after delays, but very few players are showing up. Now the city is lowering fees for out-of-town players, trying to increase usage and justify the cost.
Low Turnout Despite Big Investment
The large pickleball facility was built quickly after the Burlington City Council was told there was strong demand. However, since its opening, the courts have not been busy. In addition to the construction cost, the city is paying $150,000 every year to a private company to manage the site.
“Where is all the demand we kept hearing about? Oh, it was so urgent, council members were told, that they just had to rush to build the huge court complex, which finally opened after months of delay in May.
The council also agreed to pay $150,000 a year for a company to ‘run’ the pickleball endeavor.”
City Cuts Fees for Non-Residents
To attract more people, the city council voted to lower the cost for non-Burlington residents to use the courts. This move has raised concerns about using taxpayer money to support people who don’t live in the city.
“The city isn’t supposed to be in the business of spending valuable taxpayer dollars in order to subsidize non-Burlington residents’ recreation.”
Yet, the city is now offering cheaper prices for out-of-towners. Some believe this decision shows poor planning and spending.
“But that’s what the council decided to do last week.”
Public vs. Private Approach
Many North Carolina cities have let private businesses build and run pickleball centers. These businesses pay taxes and don’t cost cities anything. Burlington, however, used public money for both building and running the courts.
“There was no government funding for construction of private ventures we’re familiar with, and there’s none for ongoing operations, another of the expenses Burlington is having to absorb because of its taxpayer-dependent approach.”
Because the city is running its own large pickleball site, private companies may avoid opening their own centers in Burlington. That could limit competition and future business growth.
“Now the problem is that few companies are going to be interested in setting up private pickleball operations in the city of Burlington, because the city is running (or trying to run) a large competing pickleball operation itself.”
What Could Happen Next?
Some are suggesting that the city sell the pickleball facility at City Park to a private business. This could save the city from future costs and allow a company to take over operations.
“Perhaps the city could look into selling its courts – at least the luxurious setup at City Park – to a private operator, in order to get out of the business altogether.”
If the city does not change its approach, it may continue to spend money while seeing little benefit for local residents.
“Otherwise, we expect to see more and more expense with less and less benefit to Burlington residents.”
News in Brief: City Park Pickleball Complex Controversy
Burlington’s $4 million pickleball complex near City Park has seen low turnout since opening in May. In response, the city has lowered fees for non-residents. Critics question the city’s spending and urge selling the courts to a private company to reduce taxpayer burden and improve future outcomes.
ALSO READ: Burlington Slashes Fees as City Park Pickleball Complex Struggles to Attract Players