Hingham Pickleball Court Proposal: Following extensive discussion, the Hingham Select Board postponed a vote on whether to support a warrant article for the construction of new pickleball courts near Carlson Field. The proposal, which will be considered at the upcoming Town Meeting on April 28, has sparked debate among residents over funding, noise, traffic, and overall community impact.
Funding and Project Scope
The Hingham Recreation Commission is seeking $758,640 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to help cover the $2.03 million cost of building 12 dedicated pickleball courts with sound mitigation. The remaining $1.28 million would require separate voter approval outside of the CPA process.
The proposed courts would complement existing tennis courts with pickleball overlays at Cronin Field and Plymouth River School and would include 39 parking spaces. If the planned Hingham Center for Active Living is built, it could also provide convenient access for seniors.
Residents Divided Over Proposal
A large crowd attended the meeting, with supporters and opponents voicing their perspectives. Supporters argue that dedicated courts are long overdue and would benefit players of all ages. Beth O’Connor, a Wompatuck Road resident, emphasized the importance of staying active.
“To grow old gracefully, you have to be active. Use it or lose it, so please help us keep it!” – (O’Connor)
Other residents noted that Hingham currently has no dedicated pickleball courts, and the demand for the sport is growing.
However, opponents raised concerns about noise, traffic, and financial impact. Hillside Terrace resident Hillary Tutko questioned whether the courts were truly necessary.
“I’m trying to understand ‘want’ versus ‘need’ with regard to the proposal.” – (Hillary Tutko)
She also pointed to a recent noise study, which suggested that pickleball sounds would be audible at every location except indoors with windows closed.
Traffic and Tax Concerns
Abutters expressed concern over increased traffic and noise in an area already dealing with cut-through traffic issues.
High Street resident Susan Wetzel suggested postponing the vote until unresolved issues—such as maintenance costs—are addressed.
“all the questions are answered and issues related to maintenance are resolved. We pay enough taxes already.” – (Wetzel)
Wetzel also questioned whether demand was high enough, noting that she often sees existing overlay courts sitting empty even during the summer.
Calls for More Community Input
Some residents felt that abutters were not properly notified early in the planning process. Bill Crean, a Conservatory Park resident, urged officials to delay the vote.
“This is not about killing the project. . ., but neighbors weren’t consulted at the beginning of the process. We weren’t treated in a neighborly way. Something shouldn’t be sent to Town Meeting that hasn’t been [thoroughly] vetted. We’re scrambling right now and want to find a solution that will benefit everyone.” – (Crean)
Concerns were also raised about potential lawsuits, environmental impact, and Hingham’s increasing debt from other projects, including the new public safety facility and Foster School.
Select Board Weighing Next Steps
As the meeting concluded, Select Board Chair Joseph Fisher acknowledged the community’s divided opinions.
“I believe there is a unanimous view here that pickleball is a sport that many enjoy and that it would be nice to have [dedicated pickleball courts in Hingham], but there is not a unanimous view about the location and process. That’s what the board needs to consider. We have taken this all very seriously, and our intention is to take action that’s in the best interests of the town.” – (Fisher)
The Select Board will revisit the issue on March 11, though no additional public comments will be accepted. Residents can still email questions or concerns before the final decision.
The Town Meeting on April 28 will have the final say, with voters determining whether the warrant article moves forward.
News in Brief: Hingham Pickleball Court Proposal
The Hingham Select Board has postponed a vote on funding for 12 new pickleball courts near Carlson Field. Residents are divided, with supporters citing growing demand and opponents raising concerns about noise, traffic, and costs. A final decision will be made at Town Meeting on April 28.
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