(The Center Square) — After the $10 million pickleball facility project was sent back to the Economic Development Committee, citizens and committee members still had questions about the facility at this week’s meeting.
Caddo Administrative Officer Erica Bryant said the administration would pursue the construction phase with the 2026 budget.
Citizens were concerned over the cost and the source of the funds at Monday’s meeting.
If the project were approved, the parish would issue the bonds, and the proceeds from the facility would go to repayment of the bonds. The funding is not tax money, Bryant clarified, and the bonds are designed to be paid back through revenue.
The bonds could potentially be issued in December with a preliminary project completion date of late summer 2027. If the expenses could not be covered by facility operations, the funds would come from undedicated money the parish has.
“It is not $10 million sitting around that you can use for something else. Should you all decide not to do this project, that $10 million you have to look for another project, or we just don’t issue the bonds,” said Bryant.
The eight-figure project would house 19 pickleball courts and generate enough revenue and a small profit if utilized at 40%. Parks and Recreation also said there would be walking paths, vendor spots, full bleachers to host events and more.
Commissioner Ron Cothran raised constituent questions concerning the 40% usage and the wear and tear the $10 million facility might experience being outside, exposed to the heat and elements over time.
According to statistics from Patrick Wesley, Director of the Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department, 65-70% of outdoor athletic and recreational programs are played outside. Caddo holds over 80-90% of its programs outdoors, including golf, tennis and basketball. Around 50-60% of the outdoor pickleball courts will be covered using shade structures.
Other questions raised focused on outside agencies contributing to the $10 million price tag. According to Wesley, the $10 million is for the construction of the facility. The YMCA partnership will manage, staff and operate the facility. USA Pickleball will bring in the equipment.
“The administration feels that this is a great opportunity for our community. We didn’t just start this; we’ve been researching this for over a year,” said Bryant.
Many citizens took the podium who were in favor and some requested the committee consider the information presented before moving forward.
