New Pickleball Court at Paddock Lake: Earlier this summer, the Paddock Lake Village Board was considering replacing the aging skate park at Erickson Park with a new pickleball court. However, a recent board meeting disclosed a new direction that could bring a pickleball court and a skate park to a new location near Village Hall on 236th Avenue. This shift aims to enhance recreational facilities and aligns with a long-standing park development plan for the area.
Initial Proposal and Community Response
Initially, the board had instructed Village Administrator Tim Popanda to focus on replacing the existing skate park with a pickleball court, spurred by a financial contribution from a private donor in 2023. The current skate park, installed on old tennis courts in 2005, had been well-used until it suffered vandalism and deterioration in recent years, according to Popanda’s report.
Resident Hunter Benser, who has a personal connection to the skate park, expressed his desire to preserve it. “My friends and I have utilized the skate park for the last 19 years,” Benser stated. He highlighted the park’s role in his and his son’s development, emphasizing its importance to the community.
“I regularly take my 4-year-old son there after work and it was my hope that he will learn to skate there with his friends and create the same fond memories I did.” – (Benser)
Revisiting the 2005 Park Plan
During Wednesday’s meeting, Popanda revisited the 2005 park plan, which included a skate park and basketball courts near Village Hall. Trustee Ron Statz, head of the board’s parks committee, noted that pickleball courts could potentially be integrated into this plan.
A key advantage of developing a new site is the opportunity to utilize impact fees collected from new developments, which are designated solely for new park projects, not renovations.
Next Steps and Future Planning
The board reached a consensus to proceed with gathering preliminary information from the village engineer about the feasibility of developing a skate park and pickleball courts near Village Hall. This move marks a significant step toward realizing a comprehensive recreational area for Paddock Lake.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Court at Paddock Lake
Paddock Lake’s Village Board is considering a major upgrade to its recreational facilities, potentially adding a new pickleball court and a skate park near Village Hall. This development aligns with a 2005 park plan and would utilize impact fees from new developments.
Resident Hunter Benser demands the skate park’s preservation, highlighting its personal and community value. The board has decided to consult with the village engineer to explore the feasibility of the proposed site and the project’s future potential.
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