DEVILS LAKE — Everyone present at Tuesday’s monthly Devils Lake Park Board meeting was in agreement on one thing: The pickleball courts could use some upgrading.
Lynne Grinsteiner, a local woman, visited the meeting along with several friends who all play pickleball. Grinsteiner laid out the problems with the current state of the courts and suggested some potential solutions to the board.
Grinsteiner explained that she and the other players are “passionate” about pickleball and that they want to grow the sport. They play on the tennis courts by Prairie View Elementary School, which have lines painted for both pickleball and tennis. Grinsteiner pointed out that there are huge cracks in the pavement, “to the point of being dangerous.” The cracks have weeds growing out of them — or, as one resident quipped, “trees.”
This is something the group has been talking about for a while, Grinsteiner explained, but she wanted to take action on it now rather than just talking.
For reference, Grinsteiner showed the board some examples of what other towns in North Dakota — many of which are smaller than Devils Lake — have done with their pickleball courts.
Surrey, a town of under 2,000 people near Minot, has courts with clearer lines and fences that keep balls from bouncing too far away. Grinsteiner mentioned that Tolna and Harvey have courts, too.
The first solution Grinsteiner presented was the option of redoing the current courts. Perhaps one of the tennis courts could become two pickleball courts, while keeping the other tennis court. She acknowledged, though, that the cracks are so bad they might not go away. “Is it worth putting money into that or not?” she said.
The other solution would be to build new courts somewhere else around town.
Ruger Park could be a good place for them, she reasoned, then deliberated over what spot might work. Having the courts at Ruger could increase use, since plenty of people go to Ruger Park anyway. Grinsteiner and the board discussed whether courts would be feasible south of the swimming pool before the railroad tracks.
If that didn’t work, Grinsteiner also pondered adding the courts to Southside Park in the southern part of town.
Grinsteiner also mentioned that Harvey’s project of building new courts cost about $153,000 total, which she didn’t think was too bad of a cost considering everything that goes into building entirely new courts.
The board did not immediately come to a decision on which option to pursue. However, Park Board President Kale Stromme said the board will definitely prioritize it and work towards making something happen. The potential cost of $153,000 doesn’t cleanly fit into the board’s budget, but the board members figured they could get grants to help out. Stromme and Board Superintendent Steve Geigle agreed that the current condition of the courts is poor and that they want to have usable, safe surfaces for the pickleball players in town.
Grinsteiner said when people from other towns visited, the only complimentary thing they had to say about Devils Lake’s courts was that the nets were good.
The topic of pickleball’s increasing popularity was also discussed, with Grinsteiner noting that it’s a social sport. The board acknowledged, however, that when they tried to hold a pickleball event, only one couple showed up. But more people are starting to play pickleball recreationally in Devils Lake, including kids.
Ultimately, Geigle said this discussion was a good starting point and that he’ll work on getting estimates.
The board later said that the skating park and basketball courts at Ruger Park also need work, almost as much as pickleball does. It was mentioned that resurfacing projects could take up a majority of the budget.
Other notes from Tuesday’s meeting
Parks and Facilities Manager Brent Schmitz is looking to add three part-time staff members during winter for the ice rinks.
Dockside Entertainment has been picking up on weekends for parties. Special Olympics bowling begins Sept. 9.
Senior swim lessons at the School for the Deaf are looking strong, per recreation manager Josh Widmer; there’s still one spot open for adult swim lessons. Girls’ basketball for grades 3-6 begins Sept. 9, and there aren’t as many registrations as last year yet, but Widmer expects more with still some time to go.
Widmer is also looking for flag football coaches for second, third and fourth graders.
Stromme and Widmer agreed that perhaps in the future, youth football should be at a different time than high school football so that high school athletes can be more available.
Geigle is looking at light fixtures for the high school baseball field.
Assistant Superintendent Jeff Brusven also mentioned that a pool inspection came back 10 minutes before the meeting, and that there are things that will need to be addressed before they open next year.
The board carried a motion to approve utilizing LS Law Group. They also approved a motion to charge 3% on credit card transactions like other places around town.
The next board meeting is set for Sept. 22 at noon.