Tom Watson park plan advances: 12 pickleball courts and phased improvements proposed

City Parks & Recreation planning staff updated the advisory board on Tom Watson Park site plans that would install 12 dedicated pickleball courts, reconfigure circulation and add new site amenities in a two‑phase project.

What was proposed
- Mark, a parks planner, and Matt Pilger of the planning and design team presented a concept with 12 pickleball courts, improved pedestrian corridors, concrete walkways, lighting, fencing, new trees/landscaping and a future plaza and nature‑play area. Matt described the site as “somewhat complex” because of existing constraints and code requirements.
- Phase 1 focuses on new courts, sidewalks, primary circulation and safety improvements; staff said construction drawings are advancing and staff expect to advertise under existing city contracting mechanisms to shorten procurement time.

Schedule and budget
- Staff outlined a schedule that aims for construction in 2025 with substantial completion in late 2025 and final site wrap by winter. The team estimated phase‑two elements (restroom replacement, parking resurfacing, furnishings and landscape) at roughly $500,000–$600,000 and said phase 2 is currently unfunded.

Design and community considerations
- The design keeps existing trees where feasible and includes screening and shade improvements. Staff said they are coordinating with bike‑access ideas and are reviewing heat‑ and pedestrian‑safety issues; they also plan to salvage existing furnishings where possible.
- Board members asked about phasing to allow smaller, prioritized work packages (for example lighting and wayfinding first); staff said phased delivery is possible and likely given funding and permitting constraints.

Next steps
- Staff will continue to advance construction documents and coordinate permitting; a phased approach could allow the highest‑priority pieces to move forward within current funding and contractor availability.

Ending: staff stressed that phase 1 is actively advancing with construction procurement underway and that phase 2 will need additional funding or philanthropic support to complete.