Fuel Costs Could Block Sand Court Volleyball at Moorland Park

A small addition to Moorland Park that was seen as a unique feature to attract users may not make it over the net, as cost estimates for a sand volleyball court have come in much higher than budgeted.

The estimates to haul the needed sand are more than $10,000, double that of the $5,000 budgeted amount, which was to include all costs associated with the project. Parks director Craig Anderson told the Parks and Recreation board Monday night that the hike in expense is likely due to the costs of fuel.

The feature was initially added to the Parks budget for 2013 as an inexpensive item to add a new activity to the park system. No other parks have facilities for volleyball. 

The board opted to defer the matter in order to research what cost savings there could be if the city Department of Public Works could provide the equipment to haul the sand, which would come from Franklin.