Pickleball court construction at Union Park is underway.
“They’ve started the work and once they’re finished, we’ll have eight new courts from scratch,” said Boone County Director of Parks David Whitehouse, adding the courts would be located at the site of the former Union pool. “Riegler will also repave the parking lot and the drive aisle. We’re excited about the project.”
The Boone County Fiscal Court awarded the bid for the project, which will cost $387,064.67, to Florence-based Riegler Blacktop in July.
The new courts will serve as an upgrade over the pickleball courts currently offered at Boone Woods Park, Union resident Tyler Lawrence said.
“The two that are there (Boone Woods Park) are OK, but I think they were originally built for volleyball,” he said. “It’s just a different vibe knowing you’re playing on a pickleball court specifically tailored to the sport.”
Riegler Blacktop built 21 pickleball courts for individuals in their backyards last year and has completed municipal courts in surrounding counties, Whitehouse said, adding when the department solicited public feedback regarding the Parks Master Plan, pickleball courts were atop the request list.
“I think the park needs a refresh, and I guess the pickleball courts will help with that,” Aubrey Davis, of Union, said. “But I’m looking forward to seeing what else is going out there, like maybe a walking trail or two. Everyone doesn’t play pickleball.”