Cost of pickleball courts at McCulley-Robertson climbs
Huntsville’s designated pickleball courts will be larger than expected. They will also be moved to a new location at McCulley-Robertson Recreation Park and cost more.
At its regular council meeting on Monday, November 22, Huntsville council was asked to approve approximately $ 150,000 more than the $ 200,000 originally planned for the four pickleball fields.
According to a report provided to council by Huntsville Parks and Cemeteries Manager Colleen MacDonald, following feedback from other user groups and a consultant, it was determined that a better location for the grounds would be between southern soccer fields and skateboard park.
She told council that the City only received one submission to its Request for Proposal (RFP) which closed in early October: $ 311,773.10 plus tax for improved land, submitted by Arenes Construction Ltd.
“The RFP asked for prices for two different overall layout sizes: a standard size and an enhanced size. The larger (improved) layout adds more playing space on the side court as well as at the back of each court. The pre-tax price for each option is $ 297,917.00 and $ 311,773.10 [for the enhanced courts]respectively, â€she noted in her report to the board, adding,“ As discussed with local pickleball users, the preferred pitch size would be the improved size. “
The new recommended location for the courts will require clearing and stump removal, which is partly responsible for the additional cost. MacDonald also noted that the City received only one submission. “I suspect a lot of contractors are busy and they know their spring schedules are already planned. It may just be a matter of contractors’ availability when it comes to the schedule as they are all busy so having only one offer is our only option if we choose to go forward, â€she told council.
Councilor Bob Stone said, while agreeing with the construction of the courts, “the cost has now increased by over 50%. There is no mention in the report of how much money we need to put aside to replace it in the future in our asset management plan. I’m really concerned about the numbers right now and I’m not sure if this is the year for us to do so.
If approved, the funds would be taken from the park reserve (cash in lieu), which MacDonald said had a balance of $ 487,437.
Councilor Jonathan Wiebe also touched on the 55+ Games Legacy Fund. “I know this was supposed to be dedicated to the programming activities for the seniors and I know that pickleball has become a big deal, especially with the Games…†noted Wiebe.
Staff confirmed that funds could also be drawn from the fund inherited from the 55+.
Ultimately, the board unanimously approved the expenditure with funds also from the 2019 Ontario 55+ Winter Games Legacy Fund in the amount of $ 41,567.37. and the rest of the park instead of the cash reserve.
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