Trustees Address Pickleball in Bath: The conversation around pickleball remains lively in Bath, with several players from the Bath Pickleball Club presenting their case at the township trustees’ August 5 meeting. During the citizens’ comments period, three pickleball advocates voiced their concerns and suggestions regarding the township’s facilities.
Detailed Analysis Presented
Two of the speakers provided a comprehensive comparison of court usage at Bath Community Park, contrasting the two dedicated tennis courts with the hybrid two tennis/four pickleball courts. The data revealed a clear preference for pickleball, with significantly more players utilizing the pickleball courts during the day and in the evening.
The presenters recommended that the township undertake long-term planning, incorporating feedback from experienced players to accommodate the sport’s growing popularity. They argued that expanding to eight courts would enable the park to host pickleball tournaments, potentially increasing township revenue through entry fees and boosting local business.
Safety and Operational Updates
The final speaker highlighted a critical safety concern, demanding the AED installation near the courts. He pointed out that it currently takes five minutes to access the nearest AED, showing the need for improved emergency preparedness.
Trustee President Sean Gaffney acknowledged the importance of the issue and appreciated the detailed input from the pickleball community.
Additional Business
In other business, the trustees approved several items:
- Transitioning Dispatch Supervisor Steven Tayerle and part-time Communication Specialist Christina Gaydosh from probationary to permanent status.
- Renewing an annual contract with Aladtec Inc. for first responder scheduling software, a system Fire Chief Rob Campbell has found very user-friendly over the past decade.
- Amending the job description for park laborers to require only a Class B CDL instead of a Class A CDL, simplifying training requirements.
- Confirming the permanent status of full-time park laborer Evan Osborne.
- Finalizing a purchase agreement with AMK Holding Co. LLC for the sale of the former Fire Station No. 2 for $200,000, with proceeds split between Bath and Copley Townships.
- Approving regular purchase orders and payments totaling $282,722, including contributions to the Village of Richfield for a school resource officer and Wichert Insurance for the township’s 2024-2025 insurance policies.
Department Reports and Community Updates
Planning Director/Zoning Inspector William Funk announced the upcoming Bath Township Comprehensive Plan Public Forum on August 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bath Elementary School cafeteria. Police Chief Sinopoli reported ongoing recruitment efforts for officers and dispatchers, while Fire Chief Campbell highlighted the need for additional firefighters and EMTs/paramedics.
Interim Parks Director Caine Collins shared updates on the North Fork Preserve’s trail expansion and the completed renovation of the Bath Pond trail at the Bath Nature Preserve.
Before the meeting, trustees, in collaboration with the Bath Township Historical Society, opened a barn quilt at the Tool Barn, marking it as the second stop on the Heritage Barns of Bath Trail. The quilt, painted by local artist Libby Bauman, will be prominently displayed to motorists on West Bath Road.
News in Brief: Trustees Address Pickleball in Bath
Pickleball remains a key issue in Bath as players from the Bath Pickleball Club addressed township trustees on August 5. They presented data showing higher usage of pickleball courts compared to tennis courts and recommended expanding to eight courts to accommodate the sport’s growth, enhance pickleball tournament potential, and boost local revenue. A safety concern was also raised about the need for an AED installation near the courts.
Trustees approved several measures, including staff promotions, a contract renewal for first responder software, and a job description change. They also finalized the sale of the former Fire Station No. 2 and approved significant payments, including insurance renewals. Updates on park developments and community events were shared.
Also Read: ISC Pickleball Beginners in Brentwood: Round Robin Event
