A new pair of pickleball courts is set to replace the old sand volleyball pit at City Center Park in Wilder.
The restoration and construction could start by early July, but the project would not be finished for a few weeks after pavement sets since the court material and paint must dry. That final milestone could be delayed depending on summertime thunderstorms or other inclement weather.
A call for bids was put out to five local asphalt contractors, but only one responded by the start of the May 1 meeting: Riegler Blacktop. The project’s total cost will be a little over $100,000, which accounts for equipment mobilization and fencing.
That price tag would be lowered if booked in combination with another simultaneous asphalt project, but the city has none in their immediate future until the water lines near Johns Hill Road and Licking Pike are put in place, which will not be finished until August.
The council voted to move forward with the project as the pit has become a seasonal nuisance for park supervisors. Sand often gets tracked into the adjoining playground, making its way onto the basketball court or slides and clogging the splashpad’s gutters. Before the weather gets warmer and families use the park in larger numbers, the council approved the new capital expenditure sooner rather than later.
“The longer we wait the worse it will be with the splashpad,” said councilmember Robert Blankenship. “I think time is of the essence.”
Wilder is also changing their city council meeting schedule. Starting in June, the council will meet only once per month with a new time of 6:30 p.m. rather than 7 p.m.
The third Monday of every month will still be reserved for potential second meetings if necessary. Residents can find future updates on Wilder’s website or Facebook page should that second meeting be called to order.