Lethbridge will be getting more pickleball courts at Legacy Park slated to open in August.
City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to amend the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Plan to build six new courts within the approved budget, with some revisions.
The revisions include Plexipave coating, windscreens and a concrete path to the new courts. These will be removing the options of adding wind mitigation, alternative surfacing, viewing area, and benches to the existing courts.
The contract is being finalized this month, and construction could start next month with the new courts being open by August.
“We are please to be moving ahead with this project in a financially-prudent manner,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen.
“On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I want to thank our administration for coming up with a creative solution and re-scoping of this project in order for it to proceed.”
Late last year, City Administration collected some construction bids for the new courts but the highest bid was over budget, material costs were rising, meaning higher costs for construction prices. An additional $300,000 was proposed to deliver on the project but was not approved so administration reduced the project, changing some deliverables.
“We been working very closely with the Lethbridge Pickleball Club to properly scope this project so it meets their needs in a fiscally-responsible manner,” says Robin Harper, General Manager of Recreation and Culture.
“Careful financial considerations have been evaluated to ensure this project is focusing on the needs, while the key optional items will still provide significant value to the playability of the courts. This project creates additional space and functional improvements to play pickleball and to eventually host large events and tournaments at Legacy Park.”
No additional work will be done on any existing courts.
