Item No. 6
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
SUBJECT: CREATE A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR THE
CONVERSION OF THE CLAY COURT TO A HARD COURT AND
ADOPT A BUDGET RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING FUNDS
FOR THE PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council create a Capital Improvement Program project for the conversion of the clay tennis court (Court 3) to a hard court to allow for the permanent conversion of Court 1 to pickleball use; and adopt a budget resolution and appropriate funds for the design of the improvements.
BACKGROUND
At its July 15, 2026, City Council meeting the Council discussed the status of the pickleball program at Holbrook-Palmer Park, including demand for both tennis and pickleball, hours of operation, current use of the clay court, and opportunities to increase court availability.
Following public comments and discussion, the City Council indicated a desire to create a capital project for the conversion of the clay tennis court (Court 3) to a hard court and for the conversion of the dual use court (Court 1) to permanent pickleball courts.
ANALYSIS
The creation and funding of a capital improvement project requires the adoption of a budget resolution. As the Council was contemplating the potential to solicit donations to assist with construction funding, the budgetary request is limited to the professional services required to design and provide construction plans, specifications and cost estimates for the proposed work.
The design is anticipated to include the following elements:
1. 1. Clay Court Conversion (Court 3)
Budget Resolution for Clay Court Conversion
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
1. Removal of the clay court and associated appurtenances and replacement with a hard tennis court. Such work may include complete reconstruction with new base material and asphalt. New posts, nets and appurtenances would be installed. New gates and access improvements may be required.
2. It is anticipated that the replacement of the impervious area associated with the reconversion of the clay court will trigger stormwater treatment requirements. The design of such improvements would be included in the overall design.
2. Permanent Pickleball (Court 1) – installation of posts for permanent pickleball nets, resurfacing and striping to remove the tennis court and install four permanent pickleball courts, new pickleball nets, and mobile court separators.
It is anticipated that the professional services required for project design are within the City Manager’s signature authority.
Following the completion of design documents and development of construction cost estimates, additional funds will be requested for project construction. A donation component will be discussed once construction estimates are obtained.
FISCAL IMPACT
The budgetary request for the initial design phase for the project is $45,000. The City Council may allocate funds for this project from either the General Fund or the Tennis Fund. The estimated available fund balance for the Tennis Fund is approximately $200,000.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal A - Preserve Small Town Character & Quality of Life • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
The policy focus for this item is related to the improvement to the tennis/pickleball facilities at Holbrook-Palmer Park.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Budget Resolution for Clay Court Conversion
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
None.