Wichita City Council members heard from consultants and staff on a proposed new pickleball complex for the south part of the city, and budget concerns have them looking at other options.

The Council approved a design and funding in April, 2023 for a 24-court pickleball complex at South Lakes Park at 5300 South Meridian.   The budget for the project was at $6.15 million but bids received for the project were rejected.

During a workshop discussion Tuesday, Visit Wichita president and CEO Susie Santo talked about the growing popularity of pickleball and said the South Lakes site would be a prime spot to be a hub for pickleball in Wichita.   Michelle Perry with the consulting firm BCW Sport said pickleball has enthusiastic support and the South Lakes site would position Wichita well for hosting local, regional and national events.   Carl Schmits with the organization USA Pickleball said a 24-court facility could easily host 1,000 participants for a four-day event.

Park and Recreation Director Troy Houtman described the South Lakes site and he said it would include a clubhouse with restrooms and offices and an opportunity for concessions.  He said pickleball activities now at Riverside Park would transfer to South Lakes.    Houtman said the original $3 million cost was increased to add additional courts and because overall construction costs have gone up.    He said maintenance of the facility would fit into the Park and Recreation budget and not have a huge impact.    Houtman also said sponsorships and naming rights could help with the costs.

Council members raised concern about the cost of the project with regard to an expected deficit in the city budget in the next few years.  Council member Dalton Glasscock suggested adding nine courts to Riverside, and six courts for a neighborhood facility at South Lakes, estimating that those projects would cost a total of around $2 million.  He said there have been homeless encampments at South Lakes, and he suggested $4 million to enforce laws in the area and to provide emergency shelter space, helping the city fund a Multi Agency Center that it has been developing for the homeless community.  Glasscock said there were indications from the Kansas Legislature this week that it would not be providing funding to help with the homeless center.  Council members Brandon Johnson and Mike Hoheisel said they want to see options for moving forward.

City Manager Robert Layton said he would like time to study the idea of six courts for South Lakes, while adding courts at Riverside.  He said staff would look at this from a master plan standpoint and a project would be brought to the Council for consideration.