Washington’s fastest-growing sport will soon reach La Center. The city is moving ahead with plans to install four outdoor pickleball courts at Heritage Park, following a unanimous City Council vote Wednesday night.
The city received a low bid of about $20,264 from Lakeside Industries to lay the asphalt pad for the courts. The asphalt pavement portion of the work is expected to wrap up before the end of October.
Public Works and Community Development Director Tracy Coleman explained the city had initially budgeted $6,000 for one court, but the project expanded to four. The difference will be covered by park impact fees, which currently hold a balance of more than $260,000.
Because asphalt work is on a tight seasonal timeline, Coleman requested an additional $4,000 contingency to address any unexpected issues without necessitating a delay in construction by requiring another council approval.
One council member framed the project as being long overdue.
“We’re maybe 10 years behind the times when it comes to pickleball courts, so I think it's a pretty good idea,” Councilmember Sean Boyle said.
While the sport is technically playable in one of Holley Park’s four tennis courts, Heritage Park will be the first space in La Center dedicated to Pickleball.
Noise and hours of play also arose during the discussion. During a Sept. 10 council meeting, some residents near Heritage Park voiced concerns about the noise that the game could generate.
“If you're talking about rules and regulations in regards to playtime … all of our parks are open from dusk to dawn,” Coleman said. “We don't have any of our parks lit.”
She added that the city has taken into consideration the neighbors’ concerns.
“We have a very good landscape plan designed to help with noise reduction,” Coleman said.
The council unanimously approved the contract, which included a $4,000 contingency. The project will not exceed $24,264.76.
