Residents press commission for Dettweiler Park pickleball repairs and a $250,000 add

Several residents used the workshop’s public‑comment period to press commissioners for quicker action on Dettweiler Park, which local players say is heavily used and in disrepair.

Jess Romero described daily play and safety concerns at the six courts and asked the commission to increase the park project budget by $250,000 to accelerate repairs and improvements. Dawn Gavarone, who said her family has lived in the city since 1981, told the commission she and organized groups regularly use the courts and would prefer improvements to traveling to other facilities.

City staff said Dettweiler is included among the recommended capital projects in the proposed FY2027 budget and that the approach is to fund a community planning exercise to “reimagine” the property rather than simply resurfacing the courts: planned tasks include a conceptual design, community engagement, layout changes to possibly increase the number of courts, lighting and playground improvements.

Mayor Kevin Dyess and other commissioners acknowledged the public comments and asked staff to ensure the community engagement step is robust before committing to a particular design or construction scope; staff confirmed they will engage residents and return with design options and cost estimates as the budget process continues.

Next steps: staff to incorporate Dettweiler planning in the capital program and to provide cost estimates and public‑engagement plans as part of the continuing FY2027 budget process.