New pickleball complex, large donation for animal shelter up for vote at City Council

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Construction of a new pickleball complex on North 22nd Street and a boost in funding for the new St. Joseph animal shelter could move forward at tonight's City Council meeting.

Among the items on tonight's council agenda is a $796,000 contract with McConnell and Associates for the construction of a new pickleball complex by Corby Grove on South 22nd Street, a project funded by parks tax and CIP funds. The complex will be located in the same spot as the former tennis courts.

The proposed plan includes the construction of eight regulation-size pickleball courts, enhanced lighting for evening play, seating areas and minimal landscaping to preserve the natural character of the park. New sidewalks will also provide stronger connectivity.

Councilmembers will also vote on a $225,000 contribution from the Friends of the Animal Shelter to provide additional funding for ongoing construction of the $5 million shelter on the South Belt Highway.

The latest contribution pushes the non-profit's total funding amount closer to $2 million for the long-awaited shelter, a 13,000-square-foot facility taking shape at 3405 S. Belt Highway.

Shelter officials said during a groundbreaking ceremony, the goal is to have animal shelter staff moved into the new facility in late June of 2026. The new shelter comes with an additional 5,000 square feet of space compared to the aging and outdated facility at 701 S.W. Lower Lake Road.

Monday's agenda also includes an ordinance to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $997,659 for investments in the city's technology services to address infrastructure modernization.

News-Press NOW will update this article.