Parks director proposes leasing underused country‑club courts for pickleball; commissioners ask for cost comparison

Don Piercey, the county’s parks director (introduced on the record), asked the steering committee to consider negotiating a long‑term lease with a nearby country club to convert underused tennis courts into up to six pickleball courts.

Piercey said refurbishing existing courts could cost about $100,000 and might not include lighting; by comparison, nearby communities have spent substantially more on new facilities. Commissioners asked Piercey to prepare a cost comparison showing the expense of refurbishing the country‑club courts versus constructing new asphalt courts on county property, including parking and lighting costs. Piercey agreed to compile the comparison and return with more detailed figures.

No funds were approved at the meeting; the committee agreed the idea merited further study and a follow‑up report that would include a cost estimate and potential lease terms.