Destin residents and visitors could soon have access to 10 new pickleball courts thanks to an interlocal agreement being formed between the City of Destin, the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF), and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. The proposal to build the courts at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center was presented by the ECFF at a recent Destin City Council meeting.
While the City of Destin has had funds allocated for pickleball court construction for some time, the proposal from the ECFF takes care of the issue of finding suitable land for the courts. The cost estimate for building ten courts with fencing and lighting comes to $75,000 per court, which exceeds the funds allocated in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal budgets.
Under the proposed agreement, the ECFF will use the $400,000 allocated in the 2022 budget to construct at least four courts, with the hope of building more. The group is also seeking donations from local businesses and additional funds from Okaloosa County and the Tourism Development Council to cover the cost of all ten courts.
In addition to building the courts, the ECFF will provide facilities for pickleball players, including locker rooms and safety staff. The ECF Treasurer highlighted this aspect of the proposal and noted that many pickleball courts lack proper safety measures.
The interlocal agreement will also include a request for a 50% annual stipend from the City of Destin for court maintenance and facility repairs. While some council members raised concerns about the added cost, the proposal from the ECFF provides a comprehensive solution to the issue of bringing pickleball to Destin residents and visitors. The agreement is expected to be presented to the council in May 2023.
🏞️ Location: Destin, Florida
🏓 Project: Building ten pickleball courts
💰 Cost: $75,000 per court
💵 Funding: Allocated funds, Okaloosa County, Tourism Development Council, local business donations
👥 Agreement: ECFF to provide facilities, City of Destin to provide 50% stipend for maintenance and repairs
🎾 Pickleball: Similar to tennis, can be played indoors or outdoors, doubles or singles
👍 Benefits: Attract sports tourism, free or discounted play for Destin residents
#Destin #Pickleball #SportsTourism #Community #Agreement
Comments(3)