Galesburg’s new but deteriorating pickleball courts could soon be upgraded with a new modular athletic surfacing system that promises to be more conducive to those who enjoy the popular sport.
Alderman on Monday will be asked to approve a bid of $93,857 for resurfacing of six outside pickleball courts at Bateman Park, site of the former fire station at Maple Avenue and Losey Street.
The pickleball courts were converted from two tennis courts in 2021. The current court surface is a concrete base covered in asphalt and according to city officials, the concrete has started to crack — compromising the asphalt surface of the pickleball courts rendering play difficult.
New surface features shock absorbing support understructure
A modular athletic surfacing system will be installed over the existing surface. The system includes an interlocking high-impact polypropylene tile with a multi-point positive locking system and a grid top design including a shock absorbing support understructure.
The system comes with a 15-year warranty with minimal maintenance requirements, and the city says the expense is significantly less than rebuilding the current courts with concrete.
Don Miles, director of Parks and Recreation, tells WGIL, “The city feels that the tile system is the most cost effective solution to rectify the issues with the court surface at Bateman Park. Players were commenting about the cracking surface in the spring of 2022 after the courts were modified from tennis to pickleball.”
Miles said the courts are originally concrete and an asphalt overlay was done in 2000.
“Staff have made attempts to fill the cracks, but realized that this effort would be ongoing every spring and progressively worsen as time goes on,” he said.
Miles said the tiles are made of plastic and are specifically designed and tailored for the fast-paced and dynamics of the game, adding, “The surface material provides just the right amount of grip and bounce for the game, allowing for precise shots and quick movements.”
The tiles will stay down year round.
Provantage Systems Inc. of St Charles submitted the low and best bid meeting the specifications of the bid request in the amount of $93,857. The project is expected to take four to five days to complete and will be ready for play once installation has been completed.
Miles said there is a 6-week lead time for the order to be filed, meaning if the City Council approves the bid Monday, the project could be completed by mid-August.
More pickleball courts, leagues coming to Galesburg?
“I fully support the resurfacing of the pickle ball courts at Bateman Park,” said Fifth Ward Council member Heather Acerra. “The use of these courts continues to increase as the sport gains popularity.
“Pickleball is good for our community because it is fun and promotes physical, mental and social well-being. I have witnessed people of all ages and backgrounds coming together at the park to enjoy the sport.”
Miles said the city will explore adding more courts in Galesburg, and will consider organizing leagues.
“I hear more and more about how many people are there playing, so play is increasing,” he said. “We are investigating ideas on how to add more courts to handle the plethora of players and requests for court time.”
