One tennis court at Avondale Park will be replaced with four pickleball courts this summer, while the second tennis court will be rebuilt.
By: Mary Beth Almond | Rochester Post | Published April 5, 2023
ROCHESTER HILLS — Avondale Park will be getting some improvements this summer, though the projects are more than 30% over budget.
On March 20, the Rochester Hills City Council unanimously approved a contract for the construction of pickleball, tennis and basketball courts at Avondale Park, located off of Auburn Road.
“I’m sure there are going to be many residents that are going to be thrilled to hear that we will have more pickleball courts in our community,” Rochester Hills City Council member Theresa Mungioli said.
The 18.5-acre park currently features one ball diamond, a multipurpose sports field, two sand volleyball courts, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a tot lot, a playground, a picnic area with a small shelter, and a paved parking lot for 45 vehicles.
The improvements will involve rebuilding two basketball courts and one tennis court, replacing the second tennis court with four pickleball courts, repaving asphalt access pathways, replacing fencing, and adding additional benches for seating.
“This is for court resurfacing, redoing the trails going up to that area and along the one side, and some additional benches,” said Ken Elwert, the city’s director of parks and natural resources.
The project, which is anticipated to cost not more than $376,386, will be funded via the parks infrastructure millage.
“This item did come in over budget, by about 33% roughly,” Rochester Hills City Council member Ryan Deel said. “It’s a sign of the times.”
Elwert said Best Asphalt Inc., of Romulus, will begin construction this summer.
“We’re hoping to have it done by the end of summer, but that depends on a variety of factors,” he said.
Avondale Park, which is open 8 a.m.-dusk, is located at 3400 Bathurst Ave. in Rochester Hills.
For more information, email parks@rochesterhills.org or call the city of Rochester Hills at (248) 656-4673.