Mark Webber | The Republic County crews have excavated and graded the lane where the new 12-court pickleball complex will be built near Dunn Stadium. The 1.25 acres facility that will be located west of the park’s restrooms and playgrounds is expected to be substantially completed by Oct. 15
With the exception of a pre-construction meeting, the county is ready to begin construction on a tournament-quality, 12-court pickleball facility south of Garden City
Representatives of Case Construction Inc. and the Bartholomew County commissioners have signed a $573,218 contract that calls for work on the much-anticipated project near Dunn Stadium to get underway as soon as possible.
The contract amount includes $510,852 to build the illuminated courts, as well as $62,366 for site furnishings such as bleachers, bike racks and picnic tables. But another alternative proposal to install concrete courts, rather than asphalt, was not accepted.
A substantial completion date has been set for Oct. 15, consulting engineer Charlie Day of DLZ Indiana said. He is referring to the stage when a construction project is sufficiently complete to be utilized for its intended use.
However, construction companies have been finding it difficult to obtain necessary supplies, the consulting engineer said. And if south central Indiana receives above-normal rainfall, Day says delays might be unavoidable.
So far, pre-construction on the project north of the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds has run quite smoothly. There were eight bids received by different contractors – substantially more than other county projects have received in some time. In addition, $10,000 was saved when county highway crews successfully completed excavating, grading and other preliminary work.
Pickleball – a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong – continues to gain popularity. A record 330 players competed in the sixth annual Discover Columbus Pickleball Tournament at Donner Park late last year.
The Dunn Stadium facility will be the second largest local pickleball facility, surpassed only by 18 courts at Cera Sports Park and Campground.
Other facilities include six courts at Donner Park and eight at the Tipton Lakes Athletic Club. In addition, the basketball courts at the new Circle K Fieldhouse have been lined to accommodate six pickleball courts.
Both the Foundation for Youth and Harrison Lake Country Club also have pickleball courts.
