Plans to build four pickleball courts in Griffin Park are moving forward.
At this week’s meeting, the City Commission agreed to pay American Contracting about $293,970 for the contractor-related work necessary to build the courts. The Commission also committed city labor, fencing, funds, and other materials to complete the project.
According to City Administrator Kristi Honeywell, this has been a challenging project to advance.
“We have bid the project twice. Both times the project costs came in well over estimates,” said Honeywell. “We also had a committed user group that raised money for the effort; we wanted to find a way to make the project work.”
To do that, the City agreed to use its staff to complete some of the work that was originally intended to be completed by a third-party contractor.
“We can realize significant cost savings if we have our team handle the site preparations, landscaping, and fencing work,” said Bryan Tipton, City Parks and Recreation Director. “Bringing that work in-house makes the project more affordable.”
The Capital Area Pickleball Association serves as a fundraising arm for the project and is contributing at least $200,000 toward it. The group will continue to fundraise for the project.
A budget supplement is required for the project. The supplement gives the City permission to spend more than was originally allotted for the project.
Construction of the 8,800 square foot development is expected to begin this spring and be complete by the end of 2023.