Huntingburg pickleball courts expected to open in May

The new pickleball courts at League Stadium are on track to open by the end of May, according to updates from the Huntingburg Parks Board meeting held Monday.

The asphalt went down last week, and contractors are now installing poles for the nets. A fence company has started coring work and will set the fencing within the next week or two.

The project ran into a minor hiccup when a contractor accidentally turned a valve that hadn’t been exposed in quite some time, but the street department jumped in and fixed the issue quickly.

At this point, the asphalt needs a two-week curing period before contractors can apply the court coating.

Once the fence company wraps up its work, contractors will know exactly where to apply the specialized pickleball court surface coating inside the fenced area. After coating, the courts need about one week to cure before they can open to the public.

The project has expanded from two to three courts, adding more than 30 parking spaces and other improvements to the area.

“The project as it sits today is a lot better than a project we had two years ago,” Mayor Neil Elkins said while joking that the city could build a $40 million wastewater plant in about the same amount of time as these courts.

The board also took the following actions:

Dubois County Bombers Stadium Improvements

Justin Knapp from the Dubois County Bombers sought approval for two stadium projects. The first involves painting an unused space underneath the first-base side bleachers to create a kids’ zone. The Bombers will pay for the paint, using the same hunter green color as the rest of the stadium. The second project involved relocating grills to the other side of the fence, requiring a 10-foot by 10-foot crushed rock area. This move will create more space in the concession area and prevent smoke from being drawn into the walking cooler’s compressor motor. The Bombers plan to set up a temporary tent on game days for grilling operations. Board members approved both projects, recognizing the improvements will enhance the fan experience and protect stadium equipment.

Red White Boots Music Festival Agreement

Jay Baker from the RWB Group requests stadium use from August 26th through August 31st, 2026, for the Red White Boots Music Fest. The agreement included a $ 1-per-ticket contribution to the Parks Department, as established last year. The festival organizers offered additional support, including sponsoring Friday night bands and assisting with field maintenance. A local landscape contractor has agreed to donate services for any necessary grass reconstruction following the event. The board approved the facility use with the understanding that board members will review the updated agreement via email before the president signs. The mayor emphasizes the importance of such events in attracting residents and businesses to Huntingburg, noting that quality community events help recruit young professionals to the area.