Galesburg City Council Delays Pickleball Court Project: The Galesburg City Council recently decided to halt a bid recommendation aimed at resurfacing six outdoor pickleball courts at Bateman Park, citing community opposition voiced on social media.
During a council meeting, members unanimously agreed to table the motion for the resurfacing project, opting to revisit the issue at a later date to allow for further discussion and evaluation.
Project Background
Originally, the proposal involved approving a bid from Provantage Systems Inc., based in St. Charles, Illinois, totaling $93,857. The project aimed to enhance the existing pickleball courts, which were converted from two tennis courts in 2021. Over time, cracks in the concrete base beneath the asphalt surface have compromised playability.
The planned solution involved installing a modular athletic surfacing system designed to overlay the current courts. This system features high-impact polypropylene tiles with a secure locking mechanism and shock-absorbing support. It comes with a 15-year warranty and requires minimal maintenance, offering a cost-effective alternative to rebuilding the courts entirely with concrete.
Community Response and Council Decision
Concerns raised by some community members advised the council to pause and reassess the project. City officials clarified that they have been in talks with vendors who could set up a demonstration court for public use, allowing stakeholders to evaluate its suitability before proceeding with any formal bid approval.
City documents highlighted positive feedback from avid pickleball players regarding similar court surfaces installed elsewhere, noting quick and efficient installation processes.
Budget and Future Steps
Funding for the project is available within the Community Improvement/Infrastructure Fund, according to city documents, ensuring that financial resources are allocated for the initiative.
Moving forward, the council plans to gather additional input and explore alternative approaches, taking into account community feedback and the practical implications of the proposed court improvements.
What’s Written in City Documents?
City documents state that the project’s background includes the following information:
“There are six outside pickleball courts located in Bateman Park. The pickleball courts were converted from two tennis courts in 2021. The current court surface is a concrete base covered in asphalt and the concrete has started to crack compromising the asphalt surface of the pickleball courts rendering play difficult.
A modular athletic surfacing system will be installed over the existing surface. The system includes an interlocking high-impact polypropylene title with a multi-point positive locking system and a grid top design including a shock absorbing support understructure. The system comes with a 15 year warranty with minimal maintenance requirements and the expense is significantly less than rebuilding the current courts with concrete.
Based on the information provided, a bid request was developed and advertised in the local paper, made available on the city website, and emailed to vendors known to perform this type of work. Two bids were received as a result of this request.
Provantage Systems Inc. submitted the low and best bid meeting the specifications of the bid request in the amount of $93, 857. References were contacted and acknowledged the court surface installed has been well received by the avid pickleball players, and the installation process was quick and efficient.”
The decision reflects ongoing efforts by city officials to balance community interests and ensure that taxpayer funds are used effectively to enhance recreational facilities in Galesburg.
News in Brief: Galesburg City Council Delays Pickleball Court Project
The Galesburg City Council recently postponed a decision to resurface six outdoor pickleball courts at Bateman Park due to community opposition expressed on social media. Originally proposed to address cracks in the concrete base beneath the existing courts, the project aimed to install a modular athletic surfacing system costing $93,857 from Provantage Systems Inc. This system features polypropylene tiles with shock-absorbing support and a 15-year warranty, offering a cost-effective alternative to rebuilding the courts entirely. Despite positive feedback from pickleball players on similar surfaces elsewhere, the council decided to delay the project for further discussion and evaluation. Funding is available within the Community Improvement/Infrastructure Fund, and the council plans to gather more input before moving forward.
Also read: Fairfax Park Authority Removes Pickleball Courts Amid Protests
