Pickleball Plans Gain Momentum at Symonds Way: In a meeting that spanned 4½ hours on Tuesday, the Select Board of Reading found itself handling many complicated issues, but none captured the room’s attention quite like the discussion of pickleball. As residents demand more recreational opportunities, the town has found itself at a crossroads, balancing community desires with practical considerations.
A New Vision for Symonds Way
With $122,840.93 in ARPA funds earmarked for senior programs, the board is eyeing an innovative approach to enhance community recreation. The latest proposal seeks to allocate $80,000 toward designing pickleball courts at Symonds Way.
The plan aligns with the most recent design for the senior/community center, which originally allowed for six courts. However, in a move that reflects the sport’s growing popularity, the new vision aims to expand this to eight courts.
“It meets the spirit of what the ARPA funds were originally intended for,” Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted, emphasizing that town staff is united in supporting this initiative. The integration of pickleball courts into the community is not merely about recreation; it shows a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
Testing for Contaminants
While enthusiasm swirled around the pickleball proposal, the board faced a significant hurdle: environmental testing. Scheduled for Oct. 23, the testing at Symonds Way is critical to determining whether contaminants are present in the ground. Town officials are aware that something lies beneath the surface, but they remain uncertain about what they will find.
This uncertainty has led to a cautious approach. Board members are poised to act swiftly, depending on the results. If contamination issues arise, representing the ground could present a unique solution: hardtop pickleball courts that not only provide recreational space but also address environmental concerns.
Timeline for Approval
Should the ground test yield favorable results, the board aims to move forward with the pickleball initiative as early as November. The plan is to design the courts, complete with lighting, and bring the proposal to the April Town Meeting for final approval. This strategy allows for a streamlined approach, separating the pickleball project from the senior/community center plans and enabling faster progress.
As the meeting wrapped up, it became clear that pickleball isn’t just a passing trend; it symbolizes a broader commitment to community engagement and wellness. The excitement surrounding the initiative reflects a growing recognition of the sport’s value in fostering connections among residents.
Looking Ahead
With the potential for increased recreational opportunities on the horizon, Reading’s Select Board is clearly attuned to the desires of its community. As discussions continue and plans take shape, residents can anticipate a future filled with the sound of paddles striking balls on freshly constructed courts. It’s a vibrant step toward not only enhancing local recreation but also strengthening community ties.
News in Brief: Pickleball Plans Gain Momentum at Symonds Way
During a recent Select Board meeting, discussions centered on enhancing pickleball facilities at Symonds Way with a proposed $80,000 allocation from remaining ARPA funds. The plan aims to expand the current design to include eight courts. However, environmental testing scheduled for Oct. 23 could impact the timeline.
If the ground is free of contaminants, the board hopes to move forward with construction in November, seeking final approval at the April Town Meeting. The initiative highlights a commitment to improving recreational opportunities for residents and fostering community engagement through sport.
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