TRAVERSE CITY — The city commission approved an agreement on Jan. 12, 2026, to engage Troyer Group for design engineering services for new pickleball and tennis courts at Slabtown Corner.
The total contract amount is $71,047, which includes a 15% contingency.
The existing pickleball and tennis courts at Slabtown Corner have reached the end of their useful life and need replacement due to age and underlying structural issues. The city plans to demolish the current courts and fencing and construct new courts that will provide better playing surfaces and lower long-term maintenance needs.
The project aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that will facilitate safer and more enjoyable recreational activities for community members of all ages and skill levels. Staff received seven bids for this project, which varied from $31,500 to $131,300, ultimately selecting Troyer Group based on their extensive experience and innovative management approach despite not being the lowest bidder.
The bid tabulation revealed the following amounts: GFA at $65,750, HRC at $51,231, Machin at $131,300, MLR Engineering at $31,500, Troyer Group at $61,780, William A. Kibbe & Associates at $58,841, and Spicer Group at $52,321. Although Troyer Group was not the least expensive option, their qualifications and project management capabilities aligned well with the city’s goals for long-lasting facilities.
In particular, the city is considering a post-tension concrete standard for the new courts, which would enhance durability and require less maintenance over the lifespan of 30 to 40 years compared to asphalt which lasts 15 to 20 years.
This construction method will be explored further and will only proceed if deemed cost-effective.
Design engineering is expected to be completed in early summer, after which construction drawings will be issued for bidding. The anticipated completion of the new courts is late fall 2026.