By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Plans are forming to build courts for local pickleball players – but the price tag is a dilly.
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley reported Tuesday evening that the projected cost for six pickleball courts is more than $800,000, based on estimates from an architectural firm hired to come up with a concept plan.
The firm, which is working with a group of Bowling Green pickleball players, studied two possible locations for the courts – Carter Park and the grounds of the Bowling Green Community Center.
The community center won out as the less costly option, Otley said.
“We’re all very excited about the proximity there,” she said.
The hope is that the courts can share shade structures with the nearby athletic fields, and that they could possibly bring more people out to the community center, she added.
The estimated $800,000 price tag includes all the site furnishings, including benches, shade structures and landscaping. The project may need to be done in phases, Otley said.
“It gives us a ballpark. It gives us a starting point,” she said.
The courts would be constructed in the green space to the west of the community center, between the facility and Haskins Road. The site would have access to the center’s parking and restrooms.
Grants will be sought to help with the project, and $10,000 has already been donated for the courts.
The bulk of the money raised at this year’s Party for the Parks will be dedicated to the pickleball project.
The fundraiser will be held Sept. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Veterans Building at City Park. The event will be catered by SamB’s, with craft beer from Aistear Brewing, Arlyn’s Good Beer, Brewing Green, and Juniper Brewing Co. Wine will be provided by Norm Heineman. There will be live entertainment, a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $75 per person before Sept. 9, and $85 per person after that date.
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting, Otley reported that:
- A sundial art piece will be dedicated for Judy Knox, on Sept. 11, at 2 p.m., in Simpson Garden Park. Knox pioneered community-based child sexual abuse prevention programs in Wood County. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, where she worked to make sure local voters had the information they needed to make wise decisions at the polling place.
- [RELATED: Sundial in Simpson Garden to be dedicated to Judy Knox]
- A public forum will be held by Citizens for BG Dog Parks on Sept. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Simpson Garden Park Building. The citizens group is working with Dr. Shannon Orr on a feasibility study of dog parks in the city.
- The parks foundation is planning a new event, called BG Brew Fest, on Nov. 18, from 7 to 10 p.m., in the Veterans Building at City Park. The four beer breweries in town will each have two beverages available for sampling. Those attending will be able to vote for the “people’s choice beer” winner.
- The inclusive playground at Carter Park is progressing well. Playground equipment is expected to be shipped on Sept. 7, with the “community build” to be held sometime the following week. The playground should be opened sometime in October, Otley said.
- Paving of the roadway and widened walkway in City Park is set to begin on Sept. 6. One lane of traffic will be maintained around the park during construction.
