South Haven Pickleball Club proposes 8 court complex in Casco Township
The South Haven Pickleball Club is looking to Casco Township as a possible home for a new eight-court pickleball complex — with the club raising the money to build the courts.
Jim Slattery, representing the board of the South Haven Pickleball Club, presented the idea to the Casco Township Board of Trustees on Sept. 21 after members of the club board first discussed the proposal with Supervisor Allan Overhiser and the township Parks and Recreation Committee. The Parks and Recreation Committee referred the matter to the Board of Trustees.
The club is proposing eight courts on a 150-by-150-foot area on the 40 acre parcel where the Township Hall is sited (7104 107th Avenue). The parcel is a possible site for more active recreation according to the Casco Township Recreation plan.
Club representatives said they would raise the money for construction and would maintain the courts as long as the organization continues to exist. The township would own the completed facility.
Slattery said 40 to 60 people regularly play on weekdays during the summer from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. The club has about 265 members and currently uses tennis courts at South Haven High School, where six courts are configured for dual use. Representatives said the high school courts can become crowded and that dedicated pickleball courts are needed in the area.
Club members hope the public would use the same rotation system as club members so all players waiting for a court would have an opportunity to play.
The club would provide nets, balls and other equipment and take responsibility for such ongoing needs as striping, fencing and windscreens. The courts would be open to the public without a fee. The club asked to access restrooms in the building during the business day, and will also have portable toilets near the courts.
Trustees generally appeared open to considering the idea but raised a number of practical questions that they want addressed before making a decision.
Treasurer Kenny Clevenger said the Township Hall and its parking lot get busy during business hours with senior activities three days per week, as well as several days of early voting. He wanted parking preserved for township residents using the Hall for business. He also didn’t want the township to find itself responsible for managing the courts.
Clerk Rachel Ridley expressed concern about vandalism and security, trash, and the burden of mowing the area, as these are current challenges at the Casco Township Nature Preserve. She had general concerns about the influx of 40-60 people on a daily basis in this rural area of Casco Township. She wanted to ensure those involved with senior programming inside the Hall would not be hampered by an influx of pickleball players.
Trustee Dan Fleming asked about “lease” terms and expectations. While the club proposes that Casco Township will own the courts when built, Fleming asked a hypothetical question about consequences if the Township sought to remove the courts in a few years.
In public comment, Dave Campbell noted that Casco has a Parks and Recreation Committee but does not have a parks and recreation department with employees to operate recreational facilities. He also raised the question of who would eventually pay to remove the courts if the facility were no longer used.
Resident Linda Teeter asked whether different types of balls could be used to reduce pickleball noise.
Debbie Wilson questioned how conflicts over court use would be handled at a public facility. She also questioned whether Casco Township would primarily be providing a facility for township residents or accommodating a South Haven-based organization.
Julie Cowie spoke in favor of the concept as a Casco Township resident and pickleball player.
Township officials asked the South Haven Pickleball Club to develop a more formal proposal, including a sketch of the project, a proposed location and a timeline. The group was also asked to consider the concerns raised during the meeting.
Slattery said the club recently faced a 30-day window to raise $250,000 for a possible project and estimated the overall cost of that project at about $400,000, although this estimate was for a different location.
South Haven Pickleball Club members still need to be polled about supporting the proposed 8-court complex in Casco Township.
The next regular Casco Township Board meetings are scheduled for Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, both Mondays, at 7:00 pm.
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