Enthusiastic local pickleball players will likely wait until next season for new courts in Galesburg.
The city will open bids for the proposed courts at Rotary Park on Wednesday, with construction anticipated to be delayed until spring 2026, Parks and Recreation Director Don Miles confirmed to WGIL.
The project gained continued traction at Monday’s City Council meeting, where a room full of supporters, some waving rackets, packed the chambers.
Addressing the Council during public comment, Sue Hulett of Ward 1 said, “The facility will not only serve the growing pickleball community here, but will enable Galesburg to host tournaments and bring visitors and revenue to Galesburg.”
The plan builds on a design contract with Farnsworth Group, Inc., approved April 21, targeting six to eight courts at Rotary Park, 1625 W. Losey St. Bids will be reviewed in the coming days, with Council approval slated for the Aug. 18 meeting.
Miles told WGIL that late-season contractor schedules may extend the timeline.
“Timeline for construction will depend on the successful bidder,” Miles said. “Since we are getting late in the construction season, most contractors have projects already lined up for the remainder of the season. So it is very possible that this project will not be completed until spring of next year.”
The courts will feature a durable concrete surface, arranged side by side with perimeter and dividing fences, and positioned southwest of the warming shelter at Rotary Park. Lighting is part of the design but may be postponed depending on bid costs, a decision Miles noted could balance initial expenses with future needs.
Rotary Park was selected for its existing restrooms, ample parking, and central location, offering a practical solution without additional infrastructure costs, unlike other considered sites.
Miles highlighted the city’s engagement with residents near the park, who initially raised concerns about noise and lighting. Through meetings, the city incorporated landscaping for noise dampening and assured compliance with modern outdoor lighting standards, pointing to the high school tennis courts as a successful precedent with minimal disturbance.
Meanwhile, Bateman Park’s highly-utilized pickleball courts, converted from tennis in 2021, show surface cracks but remain playable, with maintenance staff applying occasional crack filling. No major upgrades are planned at Bateman Park, according to Miles.
