Galesburg’s growing contingent of pickleball players could have a new place to enjoy the sport as soon as this fall.
Funds have been budgeted to build six pickleball courts this year at Rotary Park, 1625 W. Losey St. The cement courts would be located south of the current shelter and playground area in an open space at one of Galesburg’s largest city parks.
Aldermen on Monday will be asked to approve a $26,450 proposal from Farnsworth Group, Inc. for design, bidding and construction oversight of the project.
“Other parks were considered, but lacked sufficient space, parking, or facilities. Rotary checked all the boxes for what we wanted to accomplish.” — Don Miles, Director of Parks and Recreation
According to Don Miles, Director of Parks and Recreation, Rotary Park was selected for its ample parking, restrooms and distance from neighboring homes, minimizing potential noise complaints.
“Other parks were considered, but lacked sufficient space, parking, or facilities,” Miles said. “Rotary checked all the boxes for what we wanted to accomplish.”
The new complex will feature six concrete courts arranged side by side, facing north-south, surrounded by an 8-10 foot perimeter fence with 4-foot dividers between courts. Unlike the cracked courts at Bateman Park, converted from tennis courts in 2021, these will be purpose-built for pickleball, ensuring durability.
The courts will be designed with lighting in mind, though Miles noted that installation may depend on project costs and could be deferred.
The timeline projects 6-8 weeks for engineering and design, 4 weeks for bidding, and council approval, with construction likely starting in August or September 2025.
“Construction should take about two months, plus a few weeks for painting,” Miles said. “We’re aiming for a late fall opening, depending on when we break ground.”
With the six new courts at Rotary Park and the existing six at Bateman Park, the city will offer 12 outdoor courts, plus three recently added indoor courts at Hawthorne Gym for inclement weather.
“We’ll maintain Bateman’s courts until the cracks become unmanageable,” Miles said. “Looking ahead, we’re more focused on indoor court expansion than additional outdoor sites.”
