Avon Park CRA Advisory Board Discusses Future of Pickleball at Donaldson Park

The Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board recently had a detailed discussion about the future of pickleball at Donaldson Park. This discussion was a continuation of a joint session workshop that took place on July 2nd. The board, led by CRA Communications and Project Coordinator Shawn Holiday, reviewed notes from the previous session and discussed plans to move forward with the project.

Holiday presented the idea of an eight-court configuration for the pickleball courts, which he believed would best meet the needs of the community and potentially attract tournaments. He also mentioned the possibility of expanding the courts to accommodate larger tournaments, based on feedback from various sources.

During the discussion, Board Member Bill Jarrett raised questions about the management and maintenance of the courts. He emphasized the importance of having a plan in place to ensure the courts remain in top condition and suggested involving the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce in the project.

Chairman Rick Hayes proposed the idea of building a facility north of the courts to serve as a gathering place for the community. This facility could host various events and activities, further enhancing the park’s appeal.

The board also discussed the potential for revenue generation from the project, with Councilwoman Berniece Taylor questioning whether the City of Avon Park would benefit financially from the renovations. Interim City Manager Christian Hardman clarified that the goal was to bring more traffic downtown to support local businesses, rather than to profit from the courts themselves.

Deputy Mayor Jim Barnard suggested the possibility of establishing a business in the park to sell pickleball equipment, similar to private vendors at putt-putt courses in other cities. This could provide a self-sustaining revenue stream for the park.

Overall, the board agreed to move forward with the project and keep the number of pickleball courts at eight for now. The decision will be reviewed by the CRA Board at a future meeting.

The discussion at the Advisory Board meeting highlighted the potential for pickleball to not only benefit the park but also the city as a whole. With careful planning and community involvement, Donaldson Park could become a hub for pickleball enthusiasts and a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!