Donaldson Park’s Pickleball Project: On Monday, Shawn Holiday, Communications and Project Coordinator for the Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), presented an update on the master site plan for Donaldson Park to the CRA Board. Holiday outlined his recent collaboration with CRA Chairman Rick Hayes on the configuration and construction of eight new pickleball courts in Avon Park. His goal was to secure the Board’s approval to move forward with the bidding process. However, Holiday’s tenure with the city ended abruptly on Friday morning.
“I’ll create a request for proposals (RFP) and we can generate bid items for that and perhaps start this year.” – (Holiday)
RFP Development and Oversight
Mayor Garrett Anderson inquired whether Holiday intended to develop the RFPs for the Board’s review. Holiday confirmed that he would follow standard procedures to seek bids, working closely with City Clerk Christian Hardman and City Attorney Gerald Buhr “to make sure the terms are satisfactory” before issuing them.
Councilwoman Brittany McGuire questioned who would be responsible for specifying the details within the RFPs. Holiday indicated he would consult with Hayes and Dana Adams, President of the Sebring Pickleball Club. Adams’ expertise in pickleball court layouts and Hayes’ experience with RFPs were seen as crucial for this process.
Anderson proposed that the Board review the RFP contents before their release to ensure transparency. The Board agreed to this approach.
Pickleball Court Configuration and Shade Structure
Holiday emphasized the importance of the eight pickleball court configuration, noting it as a “good start” for future tournament hosting.
“We want to see what the response is to this particular court. We all think it’s going to be pretty massive, but we won’t know until we build it. Rather than do 14 courts, or something more extensive.” – (holiday)
Anderson queried if the new courts would use the existing tennis court pad. Holiday clarified that the courts would extend “20 feet toward” Lake Verona and “30 feet toward Church Street.”
The discussion also touched on a potential “shade structure” for the courts. Holiday noted that this addition, estimated at around $170,000 on top of the preliminary $300,000 bid, would be incorporated into the bidding process. Hayes recommended preparing for this structure during court construction to ensure stability and accommodate lighting.
“In addition to covering the courts for pickleball games, this is also an obvious amenity for others during inclement weather, concerts, meetings and that sort.” – (holiday)
McGuire asked if the structure would cover the courts completely, to which Holiday confirmed, noting some overhang.
Public Works Director Jason Atkinson mentioned a preference for a pavilion rather than a full-cover shade structure. Anderson proposed that bids for both options be considered, which the Board supported.
Impact of Holiday’s Termination
The implications of Holiday’s recent termination on ongoing projects remain uncertain. The future of the Donaldson Park pickleball project will depend on how the transition impacts the RFP process and project oversight.
News in Brief: Donaldson Park’s Pickleball Project
Shawn Holiday, Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Communications and Project Coordinator, presented an update on Donaldson Park’s master site plan, including the construction of eight new pickleball courts. He aimed to secure CRA Board approval to start the bidding process, despite his recent termination.
Holiday outlined plans to develop a request for proposals (RFP) in collaboration with City Clerk Christian Hardman and City Attorney Gerald Buhr. The project includes a potential $170,000 shade structure, which could be added to the estimated $300,000 cost. The Board agreed to review the RFP contents and consider bids for a shade structure and a pavilion. The impact of Holiday’s departure on the project remains unclear.
Also Read: New Pickleball Courts in Marlborough Are on The Horizon
