Council approves DNR grant application for dedicated pickleball courts amid debate over youth facilities

The Escanaba City Council voted March 21 to authorize a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) trust‑fund grant application to build dedicated pickleball courts at Royce Park, after a lengthy council discussion about park priorities and youth amenities.

Recreation staff told the council the grant program will fund up to $400,000 and that the city’s required local match was clarified in new information as $40,000, which would be reimbursable. The Recreation Advisory Board, which held multiple public meetings and recommended eight courts, argued that eight dedicated courts would support tournaments and attract visitors.

Several council members and residents pressed for a broader view of park needs, including resurfacing basketball courts, playground replacements and youth‑oriented upgrades. A council member urged the city to consider six courts and reallocate funding to playground improvements; staff responded that playground and basketball repairs are being pursued through other grants and internal crew work.

Administration noted the DNR grant rules and the Recreation Advisory Board’s multi‑year planning; councilors who supported the application emphasized the community interest the advisory board documented. Despite objections from some members concerned about youth facilities, the council approved the resolution to apply for the DNR trust‑fund grant for the pickleball courts.

The authorization is to apply for the grant; final project scope, surface type and long‑term maintenance arrangements will depend on the grant award and future council approvals.