THATCHER — The popularity of pickleball has the Town of Thatcher wondering if a partnership with Thatcher Unified School District is the best way to give players more courts.
The Town Council discussed Monday the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement with Thatcher Schools to convert into pickleball courts unused outdoor basketball courts near the tennis courts at the high school.
Under the possible agreement, the town would tear down the basketball courts, lay a new cement slab and court covering, and install nets. The school district would install fencing and, sometime in the future, put up lights.
Access for the general public to courts on school property gave some members of the council and town staff pause, as well as the school having priority when classes are in session.
“I see it as huge, huge, huge benefit to the school, because they get free pickleball courts that they can use for whatever they want whenever they want, and very little added benefit to the town over and above if we did it ourselves somewhere else,” said Town Engineer Tom Palmer.
Town Manager Heath Brown said it’s estimated it would take town staff about 150 man hours to construct the courts, and Palmer said it cost the town about $30,000 to install two pickleball courts at the new recreation complex on 8th Street at Reay Lane, with another $10,000-$15,000 for lights.
Brown told the council he would contact the school district to discuss what terms might work for both entities.
