Pickleball Complex at Ben Hawes Park: Owensboro City Commissioners expressed strong support for preliminary designs of a new multi-court pickleball complex at Ben Hawes Park during a recent meeting. However, some commissioners raised concerns about specific aspects of the plan.
Concerns and Questions Raised
Commissioners Sharon NeSmith and Bob Glenn voiced concerns regarding the absence of restroom facilities at the proposed complex. NeSmith specifically questioned the lack of accessible restrooms, pointing out that the current plan only includes a trail from the complex to the park’s parking lot, where restrooms are located. She emphasized the need for on-site facilities, especially during tournaments, and expressed worry about the visual impact and convenience of portable toilets.
Additionally, NeSmith questioned the accessibility of the complex via public transit, noting that the closest bus route ends some distance from the park. She suggested that the plan should consider transportation options to ensure broader access for city and county residents.
Project Details and Community Impact
The proposed complex will feature 14 courts in its initial phases, including 12 traditional pickleball courts and two tournament pickleball courts. Future designs include plans for additional courts. River City Pickleball, a local community organization, will have dedicated courts for its activities, while some will remain open for public use.
The city has committed up to $1 million to the project, matching $2 for every $1 raised by River City Pickleball. The goal is to complete the design after a public meeting next week and to bid the project in November, with hopes of having it ready by next summer.
Financial and Developmental Perspectives
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Castlen praised the project as a valuable community asset. He framed the $1.5 million investment as a necessary expense for a facility that would benefit many and potentially attract large tournaments. Castlen is open to increasing the budget if needed, although he mentioned that substantial overages might require seeking corporate sponsorships.
“I think it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful facility,” Mayor Pro Tem Mark Castlen said.
“(If) people are going to say, ‘that’s $1.5 million,’ you can’t build a home anymore for under $400,000,” Castlen said. “For it to benefit so many people in our community, and (creating) the opportunity to bring in large tournaments, I feel it’s an investment rather than an expenditure.”
Mayor Tom Watson highlighted the complex’s role in Owensboro’s broader sports tourism strategy. He pointed to the city’s investments in sports facilities, including a softball complex and indoor sports facilities, and viewed the pickleball complex as an important addition to this strategy. Watson acknowledged that the final cost could exceed $1.5 million, but he remains confident in River City Pickleball’s ability to secure additional funding.
“It should be an asset to out tourism we have here,” Watson said, and that the pickleball complex is “another piece of the puzzle. It’s probably the fastest-growing sport in America right now,”
“If they are way short (on funds), there would have to be discussion about it. I feel comfortable they are going to make their number. ” Watson said. But River City Pickleball officials “are pretty determined people,” he said.
Support and Suggestions from Commissioners
Commissioner Pam Smith-Wright sees pickleball as a growing sport and supports relocating the courts to Ben Hawes Park. She also mentioned the importance of collaboration between the pickleball club and the city to address community concerns, including noise and traffic.
“We have a growing population of pickleball players, and I think moving it to Ben Hawes is a good move. I think it’s good the pickleball club and city can collaborate for the good of the community.” Smith-Wright said.
Commissioner Bob Glenn expressed enthusiasm for the complex, viewing it as a necessary addition to the city’s recreational facilities. He preferred that the complex be built in one phase rather than multiple stages and echoed concerns about restroom access. Glenn believes that if the project’s cost exceeds $1.5 million, it should be considered a worthwhile investment.
News in Brief: Pickleball Complex at Ben Hawes Park
Owensboro City Commissioners generally support preliminary designs for a new pickleball complex at Ben Hawes Park, featuring 14 courts in the first two phases. Concerns about restroom facilities and accessibility via public transit were raised by some commissioners. The city has committed up to $1 million, matching funds raised by River City Pickleball, with plans to finalize the design after a public meeting and bid the project by November. The complex aims to enhance the city’s sports tourism and recreational offerings.
ALSO READ: The Wingspan Debate in Pickleball: Exploring a Secret Weapon
