Orono Eyes Big Grant for New Pickleball Courts: As pickleball’s popularity surges across the nation, Orono, Minnesota, is looking to follow suit with plans to build dedicated courts. At an Oct. 28 meeting, the Orono City Council voted 4-1 in favor of seeking an “Age-Friendly Minnesota” grant, which could provide up to $80,000 for the proposed pickleball courts. While funding will primarily come from private and corporate donations, this state-backed grant is a critical piece in the city’s strategy.
Grant Details and Community Goals
Launched by the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council and the Minnesota Department of Human Services in 2022, these grants aim to support communities in creating spaces that cater to residents of all ages. For Orono, this grant is a step toward transforming an underused area into a hub for pickleball players.
The city’s plan comes after the cancellation of a controversial proposal to build pickleball courts at the Orono Golf Course, which faced public backlash. Now, attention has shifted to the site behind Long Lake’s Fire Station No. 1 at 340 Willow Drive.
Assessing the Site
The park commission’s decision to move forward with this location was influenced by an assessment of various factors—space for courts and parking, distance to housing, and the potential for disruption to existing facilities.
While the land is home to the beloved Donation Garden, which has supported local causes since 2011, city leaders and residents have agreed that the garden will remain a priority.
The proposed pickleball courts would complement the garden without displacing it, as the plans incorporate a stormwater pond and avoid impacting the existing space.
A Public-Private Partnership for Funding
The $80,000 grant would represent a small portion of the project’s total cost, estimated at $1.175 million. The Orono Parks Legacy (OPL), a non-profit composed partly of Orono Park Commissioners, has partnered with the city in a public-private effort to raise funds for the construction.
As of November 12, the OPL had raised $15,000 towards their $800,000 goal, which would help cover the remaining costs. The city has committed to working with the OPL to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding, a non-binding agreement to solidify the partnership.
Pickleball’s Role in the Community
For many, pickleball represents more than just a sport; it’s a social activity that can bridge generational gaps. OPL board member Caroline Melberg and Orono Park Commission alternate Sandra Rasmussen have emphasized pickleball’s positive impact on mental health, particularly in reducing loneliness and social isolation.
It’s also seen as a low-barrier sport that people of all ages can enjoy. The courts will be designed for “drop-in” play and organized programs run by Orono Community Education.
Site Access and Zoning Concerns
The proposed courts would be located behind the fire station, accessed via Fire Station Drive/Rettinger Drive. The land is currently zoned as Urban Low-Density Residential, which allows for park development but not for the kind of commercial or residential construction initially envisioned.
The Metropolitan Council projects that three housing units could be built on the site, but city officials are considering reclassifying the area as a recreational zone when they update Orono’s Comprehensive Plan.
Managing Noise and Community Concerns
As with any outdoor facility, noise is a concern. City guidelines stipulate that pickleball court noise should not exceed 65 decibels during daytime hours and 55 decibels at night. Studies have shown that a typical pickleball match reaches about 59 decibels, though sound levels can rise to 70 decibels with solid hits.
To mitigate this, sound-dampening paddles and balls, along with specialized concrete walls, are being considered. A noise study has not yet been conducted, but the city’s early assessments suggest that the courts are sufficiently distanced from nearby homes to prevent disruptions.
Funding and Future Steps
While the pursuit of grants is a positive step, this pickleball project is far from guaranteed. The city council and OPL must first raise 30% of the project cost, or $240,000, before formal design work can begin. Once the funding threshold is met, the design phase will include public input and refinement of the project’s scope.
News in Brief: Orono Eyes Big Grant for New Pickleball Courts
Orono is seeking an Age-Friendly Minnesota grant to help fund the construction of new pickleball courts behind Long Lake’s Fire Station No. 1. The $1.175 million project is part of a public-private partnership with the Orono Parks Legacy, which has raised $15,000 towards their goal of $800,000.
While concerns about noise and zoning remain, city leaders and residents are committed to creating a space that fosters community engagement and social connection.
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