Saugus Talks Pickleball: The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be a game-changer for Saugus, as Town Manager Scott Crabtree revealed ambitious plans for a major upgrade to Anna Parker Playground that promises to transform the community’s recreational scene.
In a highly anticipated public information session, Scott Crabtree revealed that the long-awaited renovation project is set to introduce a brand-new pickleball court complex and a state-of-the-art street hockey rink, with a hefty investment of $1.5 to $1.6 million from previously allocated funds.
“It’s been a tough warm summer so far, and hopefully these will be some positive things we can celebrate here in Saugus.” (Scott Crabtree)
From Vision to Reality
Scott Crabtree, who has been championing playground upgrades since 2015, acknowledged that progress on these projects has been slower than hoped due to the complex nature of funding and planning. “We have to figure out funding, we need to balance that, we need to get our finances in order and build a good foundation, so that we’re able to fund and move forward with these things,” he explained. But now, the wait is over as the town get ready to break ground on the renovation work at Anna Parker Playground, expected to start within the next few weeks.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the table:
- Six Regulation-Sized Pickleball Courts: Designed to meet the highest standards, these courts will be a hub for local pickleball enthusiasts.
- Street Hockey Rink: A new rink to reignite the street hockey culture in Saugus.
- Updated Amenities: Recycled plastic picnic tables, bike racks, player benches, and a water refill station will all be part of the overhaul.
- State-of-the-Art Lighting: Hooded LED lights from Musco Sports Lighting will keep the focus on the playing areas while minimizing light pollution.
David Warner from Warner Larson Landscape Architects, the firm behind the design, highlighted the commitment to excellence in the project. “We considered all options, including retrofitting existing courts, but ultimately decided that a new, well-executed project was the way forward,” Warner stated.
Community-Centric Design
Scott Crabtree highlighted that the renovation is designed with community feedback in mind, focusing to ensure that the facilities meet the needs of both pickleball and street hockey players. “We did look at that option… We explored all of the possible scenarios of a lower-cost renovation… Ultimately, you know, the thought was basically saying, ‘We need to do this right.’” he said.
As for concerns raised by residents, Scott Crabtree assured that issues like the installation of permanent restrooms, accessibility, and parking will be addressed as the project progresses.
The message from Scott Crabtree was clear: this renovation is not just about adding new features but about improving the quality of life for Saugus residents. “It’s going to be a fantastic addition to the community,” he promised.
With construction on the horizon and a detailed plan in place, Saugus is on the brink of a new era of recreational opportunities. Keep an eye out for updates as this exciting project takes shape in the coming months.
News in Brief: Saugus Talks Pickleball
In summer 2024, Saugus is set for a significant recreational upgrade as Town Manager Scott Crabtree announces a $1.5 to $1.6 million renovation of Anna Parker Playground. The project, revealed in a public information session, includes six regulation-sized pickleball courts, a street hockey rink, updated amenities, and state-of-the-art LED lighting.
Funded by previously allocated resources, construction is expected to start soon. Scott Crabtree, who has been advocating for these upgrades since 2015, highlights the community-focused design, addressing residents’ concerns about accessibility and parking. This renovation aims to improve the quality of life for Saugus residents with modern, high-quality recreational facilities.
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