Photo by Joan Azeka via Unsplash
When are the pickleball courts that was approved by voters going to be built?
Plans for the long-awaited Pickleball Court Project, approved by voters in the 2020 General Obligation Bond Election, were recently completed and the project is scheduled for bid opening on Oct. 23.
The base bid includes:
- 6 pickleball courts
- Perimeter fence
- Fencing to separate each court
- Fenced-off isle running down the middle of the courts
- Covered benches
There are three bid alternates for two additional courts, court sports lighting and two 20-feet by 25-feet shade structures on the east end of the courts for spectators or people waiting to play. (Alternate bid items are often included in project bids so that additional work can be considered in the bid if there is enough funding available once the base bid requirements are met.)
The courts, which are expected to cost $450,000 to construct, will be located north of the tennis courts in Sooner Park.
If the bid opening occurs as planned, a construction contract could be considered by the City Council at its Nov. 6 meeting, and construction could start as early as December. However, the first quarter of 2024 might be a safer bet.
Tuxedo Bridge update
Is there an update available on the Tuxedo Bridge? I thought it was supposed to be fixed this fall.
Plans for the Tuxedo Caney River Bridge are complete, but the project is awaiting the results of an environmental review from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to Director of Engineering Micah Siemers, it is possible the project could impact one or more endangered or protected species in the area, so more information is needed before construction can begin.
City Beat readers will recall the bridge has been limited to one lane for westbound traffic since January, when a pothole in the inside lane required temporary repair. The bridge was already set to receive a $1.2 million rehab, so repairs were postponed until the rehab project moved forward.
Siemers said he is still hopeful the project will be advertised for bids later this fall.