While Dunn Stadium already has softball, baseball and a BMX bike track, the county park facility could have another big attraction completed a year from now.
More than $600,000 will be invested into building an illuminated 12-court pickleball complex in the stadium north of Spears Street, Bartholomew County Parks Director Rich Day said.
“Our goal is to make this a destination pickleball complex that people will want to play on and host tournaments,” said County Commissioner Chairman Tony London in regard to the tournament-quality courts. “Admission to the complex will be free and open to every person.”
DLZ Indiana, an architecture, engineering, surveying and construction services firm, will be paid $73,500 to perform preparation for the pickleball complex, according to an agreement approved by the county commissioners.
The company will survey the area for private utility equipment, conduct a technical investigation and supply detailed design plans and documentation, London said . In addition, DLZ will also handle permitting, bidding and provide a limited amount of construction administration, he added.
A game somewhat resembling tennis that’s played with a plastic ball, paddles and a 34-inch high net, pickleball has gained immense popularity in recent years throughout the Columbus area. For example, there was a record 330 players who competed last September during the sixth annual Discover Columbus Pickleball Tournament at Donner Center.
Pickleball is popular because it can be played by small children and elderly residents, as well as every person in between, London said.
“You don’t get many opportunities to do things that people of all ages are going to enjoy for a very long time,” he said.
The biggest concern is likely to be scheduling, Day said. Last year, Dunn hosted 26 softball tournaments and four major BMX races, he said.
“We hope to host some (pickleball) tournaments in the future and possibly create revenue for maintenance and things like that,” London said.
Since there are at least four different business interests constructing homes near the fairgrounds, commissioner Larry Kleinhenz believes that recreational facilities are needed.
“You could end up with another 5,000 to 8,000 homes right there,” Kleinhenz said. “(Dunn Stadium facilities) will be used extensively.”
While Columbus has a number of pickleball facilities, Rich Day says the city’s far west side does not have outdoors courts for the game that are available to the public.
Kleinhenz also said that by having county crews perform excavating, grading and other preliminary work, the county might save up to $100,000 on the project.
After the contract is finalized by all involved parties, project consultant Charlie Day of DLZ said it will likely be about three-and-a-half months before the notice to proceed is given to the contractor.
“Conceivably, it could be bid in the spring,” Day said.
London said the commissioners hope to have the 12 courts completed by the end of 2024.
