Pickleball update: Collier County approves upgrades at Pelican Bay Community Park

After years of planning, the Pelican Bay Foundation presented its $6 million Pelican Bay Community Park upgrades to the Collier County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

The upgrades to the park include 20 new pickleball courts, eight refurbished clay tennis courts, an extended parking lot, concessions, and a new ADA-compliant playground. Half of the pickleball courts and three tennis courts would be reserved for Pelican Bay residential use. County residents can pay to play on the other courts.

Members of the private residential neighborhood Pelican Bay have been divided on the project since it began, with some supporting the upgrades and some calling for a complete stop.

After a few changes to alcohol and fee plans, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) decided to approve the agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation.

Alcohol: Now only for tournaments and events

As of Aug. 18, the proposed agreement between the Foundation and the county stated the park could sell alcohol within a fenced-in area.

But at Tuesday's BOCC meeting, Foundation members announced they changed their plans. Now alcohol will only be sold at tournaments and special events after obtaining a permit.

"This is a change from the agreement that currently was posted as part of the agenda last Wednesday," Collier County Public Services Department head Tanya Williams said. "This change has occurred within the last 24 to 48 hours."

Background:Collier County will vote on $6 million Pelican Bay Community Park upgrades on Tuesday

Previously:Key takeaways from latest Pelican Bay pickleball project plans

Fees: Now the same as other county parks

As of Aug. 18, the Foundation had a fee structure set that would double typical county prices for using pickleball and tennis courts.

At other Collier County parks, it costs $10.60 per person for 90 minutes on a tennis court and $400.01 for an individual annual membership. An annual pickleball membership for residents 21 and younger is $10 and $50 for any residents 22 and older.

The Foundation intended on charging more, with $6 per person per visit to play pickleball or $95 per person for a season pass. To reserve a tennis court for 90 minutes, it would be $60 and to purchase an individual season pass, it'll be $800.

But foundation members clarified at the BOCC meeting that they would be changing their fee plans to mirror existing county park fees ― a change that was made in the last 24-48 hours.

"Pelican Bay Foundation and their management of the racquet sports will follow Collier County Parks and Recreation fee policy and any updates will follow the normal fee policy process whereby it will be brought before the board for your approval about a change," Williams said.

Agreement approved

The board unanimously approved the agreement with the foundation after discussing the changes to the alcohol policy, fee structure, and parking plans.

The foundation will incorporate four more parking spots to adhere to existing parking code.

Deputy County Manager Dan Rodriguez said the foundation hopes to start construction by late spring 2024 and finish by the end of summer 2024.