(The Center Square) — After a delay in July to have questions answered, the proposal of a $10 million pickleball facility is on the Economic Development Committee agenda for Monday.
Many concerned citizens raised questions about the multi-million-dollar project. A vote by the commission returned the ordinance to the Economic Development Committee for further discussion.
The commission began talking about the project in early June, following a presentation by Patrick Wesley, Director of the Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department. The Economic Development Committee had previously approved the project before it went to the commission.
The Center Square previously reported on the commission’s decision to send it back to committee.
Commissioner Ron Cothran said, “I am not against pickleball, let me state that, but I need some additional information before I go spend my constituents’, which is the entire parish, $10 million.”
Vice President Ken Epperson agreed that further discussion was needed.
Commissioners John-Paul Young, Atkins and Grace Ann Blake were all in favor of the project previously, with Blake telling concerned citizens that no money is coming from taxpayer pockets. The project will be funded by revenue bonds, and as the park makes money, it will pay back the bonds.
If the commission approves the pickleball facility, it will be located behind the Lash Family YMCA.
The Caddo Commission will hold its work session following the Economic Development Committee meeting.
Items to be discussed by the commission include a resolution by Commissioners Atkins and Ed Lazarus requesting that the state allocate resources and attention to repairing and maintaining Interstate 49, I-220, I-20 and 3132 in Caddo Parish.
