Pickleball Plans Spark Political Tension in Paso: In a decision that marks a significant step forward for recreational sports in Paso Robles, the City Council voted to approve the construction of new pickleball courts at Sherwood Park on Wednesday night. A $3.2 million contract was awarded to JJ Fisher Construction, tasked with transforming the park by adding seven new courts, a new parking lot, and upgraded restroom facilities. The overall budget for the project was set at just over $4 million, drawing from various funding sources.
Financial Adjustments Draw Community Criticism
To fund this pickleball project, the council approved a reallocation of funds from a separate city initiative, the South Vine Street Bridge and annexation project. Over $2 million of the pickleball budget will come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, initially earmarked for other purposes. While this decision was necessary to meet the ARPA deadline for fund usage by the end of the year, it sparked controversy. Some community members expressed concern over the shifting of funds, which included over $1 million from development impact fees.
Although 15 supporters of the pickleball courts attended the meeting, the council’s decision was met with opposition from others. Linda George, a City Council candidate, voiced her objections, particularly about how the project’s funding was structured. George also used her public comment time to criticize City Manager Ty Lewis, who had recently returned from medical leave following a turbulent period involving Councilman Chris Bausch, a situation that had left the local political atmosphere charged.
Linda George Criticizes Council and City Manager
“Breaking news, city manager returns to work,” George remarked, referencing media reports of Lewis’s return. She claimed to have been harassed on social media by the city manager during his absence, though the specifics of her accusations remained unclear. George’s comments about the pickleball courts, however, were overshadowed by her attack on Lewis, who had been at the center of a controversy involving allegations of workplace hostility and political interference. “I think it’s disgusting what you guys did,” she added, criticizing the council for approving the project.
Despite her protest, the council voted in favor of the pickleball courts and park improvements. Councilman Chris Bausch cast the only dissenting votes on both motions, citing concerns over the city’s financial decisions.
News in Brief: Pickleball Plans Spark Political Tension in Paso
The Paso Robles City Council has approved a $4 million budget for the construction of seven new pickleball courts at Sherwood Park, along with other park enhancements. The decision included reallocating funds from the South Vine Street bridge project and the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Despite support from several community members, the move faced criticism, particularly from Council candidate Linda George, who raised concerns over the project’s financial handling.
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