Lake June Park Pickleball Project: The Town Council voted 3-1 last week to ratify three agreements tied to new pickleball courts at Lake June Park, despite questions from Council Member Colleen Charles. The contracts include two grants and a design agreement that had already been signed by Mayor John Holbrook.
Contracts and Funding
The agreements involve a $200,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant, a $299,274 Highlands County Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee interlocal agreement, and a Kimley-Horn Design and Permitting Agreement.
Former Town Administrator Kevin McCarthy had already sent the contracts to Mayor John Holbrook for approval. However, current Town Administrator Charlette Rodriguez said turnover in leadership created confusion.
“With each transition, institutional knowledge of the project was lost,” Charlette Rodriguez told the council. “There was no motion for approval by the town council for each agreement. Staff recognizes the need for ratification of these agreements. The previous and current town councils have supported the progression of this project.”
Council Debate
Town Attorney Bert Harris III said the vote was simply to confirm what had already been signed.
“The suggested motion is to ratify the three contracts executed by the mayor,” Bert Harris III said.
But Council Member Colleen Charles, who opposes building courts in Lake June Park, questioned parts of the Kimley-Horn contract. She asked about pricing, possible cost increases, vendor selection, and reimbursement procedures.
“These should have come forward in a town meeting for resolution and now because that didn’t happen that’s why we’re bringing them forward now?” Colleen Charles asked.
Bert Harris III explained that the agreements followed standard state practices. “The contract is clear, the price has been held, the agreement has been signed by the mayor. The motion is to ratify the agreement signed by the mayor,” he said.
The discussion grew tense as Charles pressed for more answers.
“I am not going to sit here and play ‘what if’ questions tonight,” Bert Harris III said.
“No that’s not …,” Charles replied.
“Yes you are, you’re just throwing all sorts of stuff, throwing rocks at this. You absolutely are, I gave you the opinion this is a valid agreement, there is nothing wrong with it,” Harris said.
Charles maintained she supported the two grant agreements but voted against the design contract.
Ongoing Concerns
Charles also requested drawings of the courts and retention ponds. She said after the meeting that she would prefer to see a splash pad, safer playground equipment, and more family-friendly features in Lake June Park instead of pickleball courts.
The council approved the ratification in a 3-1 vote, moving the project forward despite her concerns.
Community Impact
The ratified contracts secure funding and design for the pickleball project, allowing construction to proceed. Supporters say the courts will bring recreation opportunities and attract more community use of Lake June Park, though debate over how the park should be developed continues.
News in Brief: Lake June Park Pickleball Project
The Town Council ratified three contracts to build pickleball courts at Lake June Park in a 3-1 vote. The agreements secure state and county grants, plus a design plan. Council Member Colleen Charles opposed the design contract, raising questions, but the project will continue despite her concerns.