Pickleball courts work set for June but bigger expansion plans in O’Fallon must wait

Plans to expand pickleball courts beyond four will have to wait until the budget allows but resurfacing and revising the current court direction are still on track.

Currently, three pickleball courts are available at Hesse Park, 810 Madison.

That was the word from the O’Fallon City Council’s Finance and Administration Committee meeting Monday, May 23.

Overall, $70,000 was placed in the FY22 budget to resurface the courts and re-orient the courts that would add an additional court, from three courts to four. The project would also include new dividers, poles, and nets.

A new north-south direction would prevent players from being unable to see because of the sun setting.

Staff met with contractors to explore the option for expanding the courts and estimated this new addition of asphalt would increase the cost of the project by $91,910 to gain 18 inches of playing space.

O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Dallner said staff considered spreading the additional cost over two budget years — FY22 and FY23, but there was not enough funding.

A contractor is scheduled to complete the original design in June.

“The pickleball courts are reaching a point where maintenance is needed to keep the courts in optimal condition. Cracks have developed, and if left untreated, could lead to trip hazards and dangerous playing conditions,” Dallner said.

At the last Parks and Environment Committee meeting May 9, aldermen discussed whether funds could be found to expand the courts, and the staff was instructed to review options and report back to the council.

If the council wants to proceed with an option beyond the budgeted $70,000 project, then a budget amendment would have to approved with direction on where the additional funds would come from, Dallner said.

Taylor, Parchman offer viewpoints

Public Works Director Jeff Taylor reviewed the project and provided four options. While he provided cost estimates, he recommended against lengthening the existing courts, because the cost estimate for expansion increased to $103,000 more than the original resurfacing project.

Taylor told the committee expanding asphalt to the current courts would create a joint between the new asphalt and the old asphalt. Over a relatively short period of time, this joint would create an upheaval and a trip hazard in the middle of the playing surface.

The committee unanimously recommended Option D as the most suitable and cost-effective plan.

Alderman Nathan Parchman, who is committee chair, said Option D (listed below) includes plans to resurface and re-orient the courts and add lighting. Because there is $70,000 available from the FY22 budget to carry over into the FY23 budget, lighting could be included for $35,000-$40,000 and stay within budget.

Parchman said the idea was to develop plans to build additional courts into the Capital Improvement Plan and future funding through the budget process.

He said resurfacing would mean less chance for cracking, but after five to eight years, there would be natural wear and tear, and that would be addressed at a later time.

Advocate speaks out, more about pickleball

Advocate Karen Pfeiffer of the local Pickleball Dinkers Club has attended city meetings and been vocal about the need for more courts. About 61 players use the courts in O’Fallon — the club was established about five years ago and has grown ever since. Surrounding towns also have pickleball courts players use.

Pickleball, created for all ages and skill levels, is played either indoors or outdoors on a level court, with short-handled paddles and a perforated plastic ball volleyed over a low net by two players or pairs of players.

The Dinkers have expressed concern turning the courts and adding a court could cause a shortening of the courts from the recommended 8 feet to 6 1/2 feet. They requested the courts be expanded by 10 feet to provide additional playing surfacing on the ends of the courts.

Alderman Tom Vorce pointed out recreational pool tables, basketball courts, and swimming pools are often not regulation size, but are suitable for people to play/use.

Four options presented

These were the multiple options offered:

• Option A: Resurface and re-orient existing court and add lighting, new poles, nets, dividers etc. Cost estimate is $78,000 and is available in the FY23 budget.
• Option B: Expand the existing courts by 10 feet add new perimeter fencing, poles, nets, and dividers. Cost estimate is $181,000 and is not included in the FY23 budget.
• Option C: Expand the courts, add an additional six courts, and relocate the basketball courts. Cost estimate is $386,000 and is not included in the FY23 budget.
• Option D: Phase the project. Phase 1 would be the same as Option A: Resurface and re-orient the existing court and add lighting this year. Phase 2: Develop a plan with six additional courts for the CIP and future budget consideration. Phase 1 cost estimate is available in the FY23 budget and allows planning for future expansion. Total cost for the two phases would be $366,000.

Taylor did not recommend Option B because of cost and operational considerations, nor Option C.

The next parks committee meeting in Monday, June 13.

Parchman said the city hopes to eventually expand to six courts at Hesse and pursue putting courts at the Family Sports Park, but that will be decided according to budgets in future years.