Bis-Man Chamber Creates A Pickle For Pickleball.

I'm thinking that cartoon pickle may be in for a letdown.

Back in January, Bismarck Parks and Recreation proposed constructing a huge new recreational facility that would cost taxpayers the neighborhood of $108 million dollars. The Bismarck City Commission unanimously approved it to go on a public ballot scheduled for June, 2020.

Fast forward to April 29th, when the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce EDC's 13 members voted 8-5 not to support the proposal. Find that story here.

Now we find ourselves in a bit of a pickle about the Pickle Ball Proposal- which is what I called it back in February.  What is Pickle Ball? Maybe this will help. Basically a couple of paddles, a net, and a ball.

It's just a part of the new recreation complex proposal that Bis Parks outlined in January. Multiple tennis courts, racquetball courts, indoor turf field, an ice arena with seating for 2,500 and so much more- including five pickle ball courts!

It seemed early on the proposal would have strong support from the Bismarck business community; but, anytime you've got a tax increase connected to a proposal- it's the public that needs persuading. Well, there's plenty of time for that with the election not coming until June.

 If passed, the tax increase won't go into effect until September, which by that time our group feels that the economy will be recovering. We don't think that by pushing this vote back another two years and the project by five years will benefit our community,

It seems the proposal now faces pickles it couldn't prepare for- economic devastation from the collapse of the oil industry compounded by the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We'll see in June if the public is sweet or sour on this particular Pickle Proposal*. (*copyright pending)