Pickleball Courts on the Rise: The City of Avon Lake and the Avon Lake City Schools have recently embarked on a pivotal collaboration aimed at enhancing the community’s athletic resources. Effective October 1, this partnership marks the beginning of a major renovation project for the aging tennis facility at Avon Lake High School, located at 175 Avon Belden Road. This development comes after a series of discussions that began approximately three years ago, as officials noted the deterioration of the existing courts. The facility, which has served the community for about 25 years, presented significant safety concerns, prompting the need for immediate action.
The Need for Renovation
The condition of the current pickleball courts in Avon has become a pressing issue, as school officials identified various structural problems. Cracks on the surface and the heaving of fence post footers highlighted the urgent need for refurbishment. Dr. Ned Lauver, the operations director for the Avon Lake City Schools, emphasized that the courts had transitioned from a mere inconvenience to a safety and liability concern.
An inspection by the district’s insurance company confirmed these fears, indicating that the old tennis courts posed an increased risk of injury. With the average lifespan of tennis courts ranging from 15 to 25 years, it was evident that the facility had outlived its usefulness. This situation called for a comprehensive approach to refurbishing the pickleball facility to ensure the safety of students and community members.
The district has been proactive in informing the public about the necessity of refurbishing the courts through a series of videos posted on its Facebook page. These videos aim to highlight the need for modernized courts that will benefit not only the school district but also the wider community. As participation in pickleball continues to rise, having well-maintained facilities is crucial for fostering interest in the sport.
“The courts could be completed by the end of November, but given the soil stabilization work we had to do out there (this was budgeted into the cost due to the studies conducted during the design), it could be spring.” – (Lauver)
The New Facility and Its Features
The plans for the new facility are ambitious and promising. The renovation will result in a total of eight tennis courts, with four of these courts specifically lined for pickleball—two on each court. Additionally, the project includes two standalone pickleball courts, funded by the city, to cater to the growing demand for this popular Pickleball sport.
The overall cost of this impressive renovation is estimated to be around $1.3 million. This figure encompasses various components, including the base bid of approximately $1.2 million, trench drains, electrical work, and the standalone pickleball courts. As part of the agreement, the city will contribute $109,363 in five annual installments, allowing for continued access to the renovated facility.
Dr. Lauver also noted that the city is utilizing NOPEC (Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council) grant money to enhance the facility further. The addition of electrical infrastructure will not only support current operations but also offer flexibility for future upgrades, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to community sports facilities.
“The City of Avon Lake is also using some NOPEC (Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council) grant money to run electrical to the courts so we are flexible for the future.” – (Lauver)
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The establishment of this new pickleball facility is more than just a construction project; it represents a commitment to community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles. The active Pickleball Club at Avon Lake High School is already generating interest among students and residents, providing a foundation for increased participation in the sport.
Moreover, this initiative is expected to foster intergenerational play, making the pickleball courts accessible for players of all ages. As pickleball continues to gain traction across the nation, the Avon Lake community will benefit from having modern courts that promote social interaction and physical fitness.
The timeline for the completion of the new facility is currently uncertain. While initial estimates suggested that the courts could be completed by the end of November, ongoing soil stabilization work may push the completion date to spring. Regardless of the timeline, the anticipation surrounding the renovated facility is noticeable, and community members are eager to enjoy the enhanced resources.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts on the Rise
The partnership between the City of Avon Lake and Avon Lake City Schools represents a significant step forward for the pickleball community. With the refurbishment of the aging tennis facility into a state-of-the-art pickleball facility, residents will have access to high-quality courts that promote safety and engagement in sports. As the project progresses, the hope is that these renovations will not only enhance athletic opportunities but also foster a stronger sense of community.
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