Pickleball Courts in Vermillion: During the Vermillion City Council’s meeting on December 2, the discussion about the construction of pickleball courts at Cotton Park moved forward, despite ongoing objections. Charles and Barbara Yelverton, who voiced concerns over noise, argued that a public hearing was necessary to ensure Cotton Park was the best location for the courts. This meeting, a routine educational session with no formal decisions, followed several council discussions on the matter.
City Officials Support Cotton Park as the Best Option
City Parks and Recreation Director Jim Goblirsch emphasized that Cotton Park stands out as the most feasible location for the courts, given the lack of other viable spaces.
He noted the challenges of finding suitable alternatives, with many other potential sites being privately owned. The project, initially delayed due to soil issues, is now slated for construction next spring, with plans to have the courts completed by early summer.
“We would need to move forward with them to enter into a contract with Mammoth (the contractor) to do this. They’re expecting about a three month construction period … so we would be able to have a racket court complex down at Cotton Park within early summer. Again, that’s depending on weather and other conditions that they may encounter, but that would be the plan right now.” – (Jim Goblirsch)
Potential Solutions to Noise Concerns Discussed
The Yelvertons’ concerns about the noise generated by pickleball play were acknowledged by Goblirsch, who mentioned the possibility of mitigating this through wind screens or natural noise barriers like trees.
However, he stated that this pickleball project would not include a formal noise barrier. Goblirsch also explained that while the city had not held public meetings on the topic, the matter had been discussed extensively in prior council meetings.
Council Members Debate Next Steps
Council members debated the need for further public input, with some urging a quicker decision to avoid further delays, while others suggested a public hearing.
Despite differing opinions, there was a consensus that Cotton Park remained the most practical option for the courts. The project’s potential cost increases due to delays were also a factor in the council’s urgency to move forward.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts in Vermillion
The Vermillion City Council is advancing plans to build pickleball courts at Cotton Park, despite opposition from Charles and Barbara Yelverton, who raised concerns about noise.
The council emphasized that Cotton Park is the best available location, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2024. Discussions on noise mitigation options were held, though no formal noise barriers were planned. Public hearings may take place, though some council members advocate for swift action to avoid further delays.
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