(The Center Square) — After hearing from supporters and opponents of a state of the art pickleball facility in Caddo, the Caddo Parish Commission voted to postpone the project as officials seek to answer questions from concerned citizens.
When considering these questions, the commission voted last week to return the ordinance to the Economic Development Committee for further discussion before taking a final vote.
“$10 million is a lot of money,” said Commissioner Ron Cothran. “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 questions without answers continue to come in, requiring further discussion.
Representatives involved in the $10 million facility addressed the commission directly to attempt to answer public concerns regarding the cost of the project.
“It would be a sellable asset for our community. We would be able to bring several tournaments to generate economic impact for the community,” said Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.
Nelms said they’ve worked with many partners during this project, and the nation is experiencing a shortage of tournament areas because of how much the sport has grown.
“We do need to spend money on roads. We do need to spend money on education and all those things. The funds that are being allocated to the pickleball courts are not funds that would go towards roads otherwise. It’s not like we are taking money out of that pot to put it in the other,” said Megann McDaniel.
Commissioners John-Paul Young, John E. Atkins, and Grace Ann Blake spoke in favor of the project.
“Pickleball seems to be a super popular, growing sport. We’ve underinvested in our recreation and our youth sports and our public amenities here for some time,” said Young. “I compliment our administration for coming up with the idea.”
“I’m supportive of this project,” said Atkins. “The operating revenue should cover not only the operating cost but also the cost of financing. If projections are met, it should be a breakeven type proposition.”
Blake made it clear during the discussion that no money for the project is coming out of the taxpayers’ pockets.
Back in early June, The Center Square reported on previous discussion from the commission on the eight-figure project. Patrick Wesley, Director of the Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation that showed many cities around Caddo Parish have or will have multi-million dollar pickleball facilities. The project was previously approved by the Economic Development Committee and would be funded by revenue bonds.
“While some of us are supportive of it, there are citizens who have questions and until those questions are answered, that’s the reason for this,” said Commissioner Victor Thomas.
