Pickleball group seeks lease extension; board weighs fees and student access

Pickleball organizers asked the Fountain Hills Unified School District to extend their facility lease and to approve additional court improvements. Board members and staff discussed how the existing arrangement affects middle‑school play space and whether a revised fee structure could both retain the community partner and fund on‑campus student amenities.

Staff explained the current agreement (document expiration cited variably as late 2026 or 2027 in meeting materials) and said pickleball leadership has invested in the courts and is unwilling to commit additional improvements without an extension. Trustees discussed charging a monthly fee or a modest increase in per‑member dues to generate revenue for new basketball courts and student play areas. Administration suggested a hypothetical monthly fee that could generate roughly $24,000 a year (for example, a small per‑member increase across a large membership), which could be used to fund new on‑campus basketball courts or other student facilities.

The superintendent and staff said they had identified potential campus locations to add hoops or new play spaces and that a negotiated fee could be earmarked for student facilities. Trustees expressed concern about safety and proximity to a busy street where some existing courts sit, and about preserving access for students who previously used the area for recess and PE. Staff agreed to meet again with pickleball representatives and return with a recommendation that balances community use, existing contract terms and student needs.

The discussion concluded with the board asking administration to gather additional details and present a recommended agreement at a future meeting.