The Beatrice City Council authorized the city to apply for $250,000 in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) assistance to build six pickleball courts at Chautauqua Park, with a required city match of $250,000.

City staff told the council the project area is adjacent to existing pickleball courts, will include a small parking area to serve the courts and will require a land purchase for the expanded footprint. The LWCF grant is a dollar-for-dollar match; staff estimated that, if awarded, construction would most likely occur in fiscal year 2027 based on past award timelines.

Council members and members of the public described heavy local use of the courts. A council member noted tournaments and a sizable waiting list; another attendee said membership in the local association exceeds 100 and that roughly 175 regular players use the courts, including participants from surrounding towns.

The council closed the public hearing with no oral opposition and passed the resolution to file the application; staff said grant applications are typically due within two weeks and awards take about six months to be announced.