Huntingdon Approves Major Recreation Project, Eyes New Tennis and Pickleball Complex

HUNTINGDON (March 17) — Huntingdon is set to significantly enhance its recreational offerings with the approval of a grant application for a new tennis and pickleball complex. The town council authorized the submission of the 2026 Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant, paving the way for six new tennis courts and eight pickleball courts, complete with parking, ADA-compliant walkways, lighting, site furnishings, benches, bleachers, restrooms, and a pavilion.

The ambitious project, estimated at $2.4 million, will be located at Huntingdon High School. Dr. Jonathan Kee, director of schools, a proponent of the project, highlighted that the school system and the Wright Charitable Trust have committed to covering the 75/25 matching funds required by the grant, ensuring no additional financial burden on town taxpayers. The site at the high school is already pre-graded, significantly reducing construction time and cost. Dr. Jonathan Kee emphasized that the courts would be a community venue, open to the public, with the school taking responsibility for maintenance and surveillance. The goal is to host tournaments, bringing in revenue and visitors to the community, and provide a lifelong sport for multiple generations. Construction is optimistically slated to begin in spring or summer of 2027, if grant funding is acknowledged by the summer of this year.

In other council actions:

Zoning Amendment Passed for Development

The council approved Ordinance 655, amending the official zoning map to rezone a 66.8-acre property from R-1 (low-density residential) to R-2 (medium-density residential). The property, located at the northeast corner of Northwood Drive and Crossroads Church Road, is owned by Jason Kirby and Colin Miller and is proposed for residential development.

Sewer Improvements and Grinder Pump Policy Discussed

The council unanimously advanced an application for fiscal year 2026 State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, specifically for a sewer improvement project to replace a sewer lift station. Community Development Partners LLC and J.R. Wauford and Company Consulting Engineers Inc. will provide administrative and engineering assistance for the grant application.

A significant discussion also took place regarding Ordinance Number 656, which proposes amendments to the town's wastewater collection and treatment system, particularly concerning grinder pump systems. The first reading of the ordinance sparked debate over maintenance responsibilities. Council members expressed concerns about changing prior commitments, where the town covered maintenance for units installed before June 2023. The proposed amendment would grandfather these existing units, covering labor costs but billing property owners for parts. However, new installations would place full responsibility for installation and parts on the property owner. The aim is to enable future development and expansion of sewer services without overwhelming the town's budget with grinder pump maintenance costs.

Water Bill Adjustments Standardized

Several water bill adjustments were considered for residents and businesses experiencing leaks or busted pipes. Following established precedent, bills for catastrophic leaks were adjusted to a standard $250, providing relief to customers like Tommy Foster, Bailey's Electrical Service, D'Erra Johnson, Thomas Clark and Nancy Fortner.

Huntingdon Festival Date Shifted

To avoid conflicts with major sporting events, the council approved changing the Huntingdon Festival date to the third Saturday in September for 2026. This adjustment aims to maximize attendance and community engagement, preventing a repeat of last year's situation, in which a Tennessee football game affected concert attendance.

In attendance were Mayor Chad Edwards and councilpersons Will Atkins, Chad Barnhart, Lori Dillahunty, Kelly Eubanks, Andrew Maddox, and John Sanders. Absent was Daniel Eubanks.