Tolland's Pickleball Jar Could Get Larger

TOLLAND, CT — A proposal is on the books to add additional pickleball courts in Tolland if a state STEAP grant goes through.

STEAP funds are issued by the State Bond Commission and can only be used for capital projects. Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley said a project is considered to be "a capital project" if it is new construction, expansion, renovation or replacement for an existing facility or facilities.

That's where a section of Heron Cove Park comes in.

The town submitted an application last month for funding under the STEAP program to build four

new dedicated pickleball courts where the outdoor ice rink at Heron Cove Park once was.

The project would include tree removal, drainage, new courts, nets and striping, fencing and a full accessible sidewalk to the parking lot.

The total project cost estimate, including an 11 percent contingency, is $415,000, Foley said. The town has requested $332,000 in STEAP funding with an $83,000, or 20 percent, municipal match.

The town currently has an indoor pickleball court at the recreation center. Tennis courts at Crandall Park have been re-lined to offer tennis/pickleball options there.