A new pickleball complex is coming to Wichita.
The Wichita City Council approved a $6.15 million budget to construct 24 pickleball courts at a new complex to be located at South Lakes Park, at 5300 S. Meridian.
Troy Houtman with the city said designs for the complex, dubbed the "pickleball palace", will be completed in the next two to three weeks. Bidding will begin in June and be awarded by July. After that, construction would start this Fall, with a target completion by February of 2024.
The complex could hold 4-5 big tournaments each year, which the city says could bring in over $400 thousand in revenue.
The city also plans to use the facility for league play and recreational use.
In other council news, $800 thousand in funding was approved for traffic and signal improvements at I-235 and K-42, Waco Street from 1st to Central, and Ridge Road from 37th Street North to Village Circle.
Dog park lovers, rejoice: the council also approved a $300 thousand project to improve K-9 Rooster Dog Park at Meridian Park. The popular facility lacks shade and contains areas that collect and retain water.
Finally, the city will provide $50 thousand in funding in a collaboration with the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Two additional physicians would be a part of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. Right now, there are only 7 psychiatrists in the city that provide mental health services to youth.