Hingham Pickleball Courts Proposal: A proposal for new pickleball courts near Carlson Field in Hingham sparked debate during a select board meeting Tuesday night. Residents expressed concerns about noise, traffic, and lack of early notification, while supporters highlighted the growing demand for dedicated courts. No votes were taken as discussions continued.
Funding and Project Goals
The Hingham Recreation Commission is requesting $758,640 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to help cover approximately 40% of the estimated $1.9 million total cost for 12 new pickleball courts. The courts would supplement existing facilities at Cronin Field and Plymouth River School, which currently have pickleball overlays. The proposed site would include 39 parking spaces.
The goal is “to better meet the demand of the town’s growing pickleball population,” according to the recreation commission. However, some residents near the site raised concerns over the project’s impact.
Concerns Over Noise and Traffic
Conservatory Park, Adams Court, and Hillside Terrace residents voiced worries about potential noise and traffic problems. They also pointed out that many neighbors were unaware of the proposal due to being outside the 300-foot abutter notification requirement.
Conservatory Park resident Bill Crean described the consultant’s sound study as “confusing” and called for further clarification. “We were told initially that noise concerns would be non-existent,” he said, but the study suggests otherwise. Crean also noted that neighbors submitted a letter to the select board the same day, requesting a meeting to better understand the findings.
Hillside Terrace resident Hillary Tutko warned that other communities have faced lawsuits over pickleball noise and that the high-pitched sound of play could be disruptive. “We would be subject to a total exposure of up to 130,000 high-pitched pops a day,” she said, comparing the noise to the sound of an aluminum bat striking a ball.
Adams Court resident Jim Costello raised concerns about increased traffic and the possibility of tournaments bringing even more cars to an already busy area. He noted that some drivers already use their private roadway as a shortcut to Carlson Field.
Support for the Courts
Despite opposition, several residents voiced strong support for the project. Jones Street resident Christine Collins pointed to pickleball courts at a Maine country club as an example of effective noise mitigation. “You can’t hear a sound with the sound screens,” she said. “If you could just take away the fear factor and see for yourselves and make a judgment from the facts, that would be a wise move.”
Mary Ann Bryan of Prospect Street, who has been involved with the project from the beginning, emphasized the need for more courts. “Pickleball courts are at a premium in Hingham, and they build community,” she said, adding that a neighbor near the Plymouth River School pickleball courts reported no noise issues.
Former Hingham resident Melissa Robin, a USA Pickleball ambassador, also supported the plan.
“I firmly believe the proposed site is a very good one,” she said, assuring that traffic and other concerns would be addressed. Robin highlighted pickleball’s accessibility, stating that “one of the biggest benefits of pickleball is that people of all ages can participate.”-(Melissa Robin)
Next Steps and Further Review
Recreation Department Director Mark Thorell explained the sound study findings and potential mitigation efforts, noting that a wooded buffer surrounds the proposed site. “We understand that noise is a very real issue,” he said. The proposed location was chosen following a CPA-funded feasibility study that assessed potential sites.
Recreation Commissioner Vicki Donlan stressed that the design is preliminary and would require approvals from the Conservation Commission and other permitting agencies. An environmental site assessment will also be conducted.
The select board declined to vote on the proposal, postponing discussions to a future meeting. The advisory committee will review the project in an upcoming session, and residents will have the final say at the Town Meeting on April 28. If necessary, discussions will continue the following evening.
Other CPA-funded proposals under consideration include $40,000 for administrative expenses, $209,179 for previous project debts, $700,000 for the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust, and $600,000 for the Old Ordinary Campus Improvements Project in preparation for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
News in Brief: Hingham Pickleball Courts Proposal
Hingham’s select board discussed a proposal for 12 new pickleball courts near Carlson Field, with concerns raised about noise and traffic. Supporters argue the courts will meet growing demand. No votes were taken. The proposal will be reviewed by the advisory committee, with a final decision at the Town Meeting on April 28.
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