Grant would expand pickle ball at Borden Park

Rochester Hills is seeking a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that, if approved, could fund the expansion of four new pickle ball courts, rain gardens, benches and recycling bins at Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin.

The grant would require a $200,000 match by the city for work planned with the grant. The potential funds come from the Recreation Passport grant, which is funded by an optional state park pass endorsement on Michigan driver's licenses.

Rochester Hills Parks and Natural Resources Director Ken Elwert said plans for the grant include replacing three of the four tennis courts at Borden Park, with one existing tennis court removed. The reduction of one tennis court would be replaced with four pickle ball courts.

Elwert said the tennis courts at the park were created in 1990 and are past their useful life. There has been support in the community for more pickle ball opportunities. Expanding pickle ball is already included in the city's long-term capital improvement plan for 2019.

Council unanimously approved proceeding with the DNR's grant application process.