by Dennis Dalman
Noting the increasing popularity of pickleball, Sartell City Council members are in favor of adding pickleball to the improvements plan for Watab Park.
At its last meeting, the council was asked to give direction to city staff for recreational options at the park – options that are part of a larger improvement plan at Watab, including a new shelter/picnic building.
Currently, there are two tennis courts at Watab Park. The options under consideration are to replace the tennis courts with pickleball courts and a baskeball hoop on one end of a pickleball court; keep one tennis court, make one pickleball court and one basketball hoop; or keep both tennis courts and add a basketball hoop on one end of one of the courts.
City Administrator Mary Degiovanni told the council no matter which option it decides, the cost would be about the same.
There are currently six pickleball courts in Val Smith Park, as well as pickleball courts, volleyball and basketball in the Sartell Community Center’s two gymnasiums. The tennis courts in the city were created and maintained by the school district, it was noted.
The council did not vote on a particular option. Degiovanni said designs of the court options will be presented soon at a meeting, at which time the council can make a final decision.
