WEST GEAUGA COMMUNITY JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT

Pickleball Meeting – March 17, 2026 – 06:05 PM

Geauga West Library, Gilson Room

Board members present: Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Kristen Foerster, Rick Izant, Sara Sustin.

Non-Board members present: Jason Abate.

Grant Money: The total amount of grant money available from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is unknown currently.  To be awarded the grant money, WGCJRD will need to have 25% of the money upfront for the project.

Court Location: Two options were discussed for the location of the courts, the current volleyball courts and the front soccer field.  It was decided at this time to pursue the volleyball court as the proposed location of the pickleball courts.

Quotes for pickleball courts:  The group reviewed the quotes received for various parts of the project.  It was discovered that several of the quotes were not the same, and the comparisons will not be accurate as different specifications were received.  The following quotes were reviewed during the meeting: 

Site preparation and asphalt pricing: Two quotes were received for the surfacing of the courts. 

• All Ways Construction quoted a price of $43,882.50 for site preparation and paving of a 60’ X 60’ area. The price includes excavation of the current sand volleyball court, installation of 6” of #304 limestone, installation of 2.5” of compacted intermediate asphalt, application of ODOT # 407 tackless tack, 1.5” of compacted #448T1 virgin asphalt top coat, and gutter sealing the edges.
• Vitale Ashpalt and Trucking quotes a price of $19,813.00 for site preparation and paving of a 64’ X 32’ area. The price includes excavation of the current sand volleyball court, installation of 6” of #304 limestone, installation of 2” of hot mix binder asphalt, 2” of 404 hot mix asphalt top coat.

Ed Curtis will request Vitale submit an updated quote to include a 60’ X 60’ area, and the use of virgin asphalt.

Fencing:

• Only one quote was received from On the Fence of $14,439.00. The quote includes a 60’ X 60’ black perimeter fencing 6 feet tall, and 4-foot-tall court divider fence using 8-gauge wire, 3” 20 WT terminal posts set in concrete, 2.5” 20WT line posts, 1 5/8” X .065 top rail.  Gates would be an additional $450.00. 

Painting and surfacing:

• Industrial Surface Sealer provided a quote for $13,300.00. The quote includes 2 coats of acrylic surfacer, 2 coats of Sportsmaster top coat, and striping.
• Innovative Sports Surfacing provided a quote of $39,500.00. The price includes 3 coats of acrylic surfacer, 2 coats of acrylic color, striping, and supply and install posts and nets.

Fundraising: It was discussed that we set up a separate group for fundraising and keep those funds received separate from our current accounts.  We talked about reaching out to the Kiwanis, Lions Club, and Rotary for potential discussions.

WEST GEAUGA COMMUNITY JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT

Monthly Meeting – March 17, 2026

Geauga West Public Library

President Greg Poe called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Board members present:  Evan Byrum, Ed Curtis, Chris Domonkos, Kristen Foerster, Rick Izant, Greg Poe, Sara Sustin. Jason Abate was also present.

Representatives from the groups that use The Commons fields were sent invitations to attend this meeting to discuss what their plans are for the 2026 season.

Kelly Graham was present with a summary of 2026 baseball information.  2026 quote from JCM Landscaping Co. is $190.00/week to drag the field. Fee. $65.00/game; 4-5 games per week. She stated that when the field is nail-dragged, it will break up the soil.  Ed Curtis asked should Innovative do the preseason overall or the league do it.  Ed asked if there was a quote for the prep.  Kelly doesn’t have the figures yet. Kelly is to provide a figure as soon as she receives it.   No chemicals can be used on the field to kill the weeds and grass when it rains.  Coaches need to have AED certification, and background checks.  Ed Curtis needs a figure for field preparation to decide whether to use Innovative or let the Federation do the field.  Also posed the question of adult/co ed league.  Pitcher’s mound and batter’s box need work.  Dominic Innovative) did the initial prep in 2025.  Questioned if a home run fence is needed.  Federation fee of $500.00 has been paid to us for the season.

Linda Palchick said she has a permit for softball for children with disabilities to play on our field, 1 day a week.  Linda stated she is 99% sure that wheelchairs would not be used.  If so, a runner would be used.  Empower Sports plays in 6 NE Ohio counties.  2 sessions:  July 16-August 6; August – September (need dates). More information is needed to continue discussions.  We had lots of miscommunications last year (2025). 

Soccer representative Sara Neale brought Soccer information to the Board.  No games are scheduled for spring yet. Practice could begin April 6; Monday and Wednesday evenings on the lower soccer field. That field has very thick grass; could it possibly be cut much shorter?  Jason Abate said they will try. 

Sara Neale continued to say they will be playing at the Newbury soccer field.  A lot of money ($5K) was used to upgrade that site this past year.  And their games will mostly be played there.  The WG high school field is not guaranteed.  Discussion on possibly using the field at Mayfield Church for practice.  Linda Palchick said she saw in the Chesterland News that that church was sold to an LLC.  The field will be fixed in the fall. 

President Greg Poe said other teams want to use our fields.  The upper field was not used last year. Chris Domonkos offered information that Flag Football has inquired to use The Commons field for practice. They could use the lower soccer field. Our board is evaluating other uses for the top field and the volleyball courts.

The representative from WG Rec Council did not attend our meeting

Linda Palchick said when the fields were put in early in the Park layout, there was no soccer club. 

 _____________________________                     _____________________________                                                                                                                                         

Monica Gromek, Clerk                                            Greg Poe, President