Council approves variances for county park pickleball courts and ADA upgrades

On May 12 the council approved public‑purpose variances to allow additional impervious surface at the Singleton county park for a county‑led improvement project that includes four pickleball courts, an ADA restroom expansion, a paved driveway and stormwater treatment.

Brad (staff) told the council the property is a 4.4‑acre public park and the proposed improvements cover about 1.4 acres. "There are pickle ball courts proposed to the southwest of the existing tennis courts and an expanded bathroom area to make restrooms ADA compliant," he said. Staff recommended approval of three variance subsections limiting impervious surface in wellfield protection areas, finding the request met criteria for public purpose and minimum relief needed.

County parks representative Ian Golden said the county chose not to convert existing tournament tennis courts to pickleball — in part because they host high‑school and tournament play — and explained that a new dry retention pond would treat runoff from the added impervious surfaces. "We're not relying on any existing permits that were already issued to the city in the past," Golden said, adding his department will add two handicap parking spaces and stabilize existing gravel lots.

Public commenters suggested converting tennis courts as a lower‑impact alternative; one resident also asked whether trees would be cut. Construction engineer David Tom confirmed no large trees would be removed and that one or two small trees might be removed; the large shade tree near the retention pond would be protected.

Council members voted individually on three variance subsections (section 30‑207A subsections 5, 6 and 6B); each vote was recorded 'yes' by Vice Mayor Cole, Member Stokel, Member Mscoso and Mayor Andrew Connors, and the motions carried. The approvals allow the county to proceed with design and permitting under the stated conditions described by staff and applicant representatives.

Council did not vote on construction funding or final design details at the meeting; those items will be addressed by Brevard County and the permitting agencies as the project advances.