Arnold Pickleball Courts and Pool Upgrades: The city of Arnold plans to improve the indoor pool at the Arnold Recreation Center and explore building new pickleball courts during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. City Council approved a budget that includes $295,000 for a new play structure and plaster replacement at the indoor pool.
Indoor Pool Upgrades
Parks and Recreation Director Dave Crutchley said the indoor pool at 1695 Missouri State Road needs updates because the play structure is original to the 2005 facility and the plaster hasn’t been replaced since 2010. Crutchley said,
“The plaster is the surface that everyone walks on barefoot and rubs against it on the wall. With the plaster coming off, it creates sharp edges. That doesn’t work when you are barefoot. It is very important that we get it fixed.”
The current play structure in the shallow end has a slide and water features. Crutchley said the base was replaced with stainless steel 10 years ago but is now rusting. The new structure will be similar in size to keep the slide landing in the same spot. It will be installed before the plaster replacement to save money.
The indoor pool will be closed during construction, which is expected to start in April. Crutchley hopes to open the outdoor pool earlier next year to provide swimming options while the indoor pool is closed.
Pickleball Court Plans
While the city did not allocate $275,000 to build six outdoor pickleball courts, Crutchley said officials will look for a suitable location. He noted the initial cost would cover construction only, not fencing, bathrooms, lighting, or parking.
“We need to figure out places we could possibly put the courts that make sense,” (Dave Crutchley).
Ward 1 Councilman Troy Blacksher suggested building the courts near the Arnold Farmers Market at 2400 Bradley Beach Road. Crutchley said the area may not have enough parking for both market visitors and pickleball players.
City Budget Overview
The 2025-2026 budget was approved 7-0 on August 21, with Ward 3 Councilwoman Peggy Allen absent. Arnold expects $35,545,260 in revenue and $34,776,817 in spending, leaving a surplus of $768,443. The city anticipates $22,717,672 in operating fund revenue and $16,411,226 in spending, a $6,306,446 surplus. Transfers include $5,538,003 to cover Police Department, rec center, and stormwater projects.
Interim City Administrator and Finance Director Bill Lehmann credited the 1-cent public safety sales tax, approved in 2023, for helping fund the Police Department and freeing up general fund money for parks and roads. The city plans raises of 3.5% for city employees and 3% for union police officers. Arnold expects 116 full-time and about 120 part-time and seasonal employees.
Stormwater and Future Plans
Arnold will spend $2,331,665 on stormwater projects, mostly for the Little Muddy Creek watershed. The city is using American Rescue Plan Act funds for costs and is close to acquiring all easements. Lehmann said paying off the rec center in six years will allow the city to operate the facility with less subsidy.
News in Brief: Arnold Pickleball Courts and Pool Upgrades
Arnold will spend $295,000 to improve the indoor pool at the Arnold Recreation Center and explore building new pickleball courts. Indoor pool upgrades include a new play structure and plaster replacement, starting in April 2026. The city’s 2025-2026 budget totals $35.5 million in revenue with a $768,443 surplus.
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