Burrillville’s Pickleball Court at Remington Park: Burrillville officials are considering a proposal to add outdoor lighting to the town’s only pickleball court at Remington Park. This move, suggested by Bill Beatson, a coordinator of the local pickleball league, would extend playing hours for the growing pickleball community in the area.
The Proposal
Beatson presented his proposal to the Burrillville Town Council on January 8, 2025. He emphasized that during the warmer months, residents play outdoor pickleball at Remington Park from May to October. However, daylight hours are too short to enjoy the sport for long periods. Without proper lighting, players must stop when the sun sets.
Beatson explained that although they have tried using battery-powered lights, the poles were too short and created blind spots on the court, making them ineffective. He hopes to find a more reliable solution that allows players to enjoy the sport for longer hours.
“We’re fighting daylight. The interest in playing pickleball is high, and lighting would give us more time to play, especially in the evenings.” – (Beatson)
Growth of Pickleball in Burrillville
Burrillville’s pickleball community has about 30 regular members. Players range in age from 18 to 70 and enjoy the social aspect and the competitive nature of the sport.
Beatson noted that pickleball has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, with millions of new players across the country. Young people, in particular, are joining the sport but need evening hours to accommodate their schedules.
There is only one public pickleball court in Burrillville, which makes it difficult for the growing community to play as much as they would like.
Beatson noted that nearby towns like Smithfield and Lincoln are adding more pickleball courts, and he believes Burrillville should do the same to meet the demand.
Long-Term Goals for More Courts
Looking to the future, Beatson proposed additional courts in the town. He suggested that Burrillville Middle School and Burrillville High School could add courts to provide more playing space. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of repurposing abandoned tennis courts in the town for pickleball.
There are currently 52 locations to play pickleball in Rhode Island, with 280 courts. Beatson pointed out that Burrillville, with only one public court, is far behind other towns in terms of available pickleball facilities.
A Possible Partnership
Councilor Stephen Rawson proposed another idea: partnering with the senior housing project at Steere Farm. He suggested that the old tennis courts near the housing could be renovated to create more pickleball courts for residents and the general public.
The council did not discuss the cost of adding lighting but noted that there is already an existing light pole at Remington Park that could be used.
The Future of Pickleball in Burrillville
The town council is reviewing the proposal and considering the next steps. If approved, lighting would help make outdoor pickleball courts more accessible and would allow players to enjoy the sport year-round, regardless of daylight.
The continued growth of pickleball in Burrillville could lead to the development of more courts and a stronger pickleball community. As the sport continues to gain popularity, towns across the country are looking for ways to meet demand and provide facilities for players of all ages and skill levels.
News in Brief: Burrillville’s Pickleball Court at Remington Park
Burrillville officials are reviewing a proposal to add outdoor lighting to the town’s only pickleball court at Remington Park. Bill Beatson, a pickleball league coordinator, suggests the lighting would extend playing hours. Beatson also proposed adding more courts at local schools and through a partnership with a senior housing project.
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