Wellesley Bans Public Pickleball at Sprague Courts: The Wellesley School Committee has voted 4-1 to end public pickleball play at the Sprague courts, allowing use only for middle school classes. The decision, made on Tuesday, follows years of noise complaints from neighbors and comes as the town continues to search for a long-term solution for pickleball enthusiasts.
Restrictions and Background
Pickleball at Sprague became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as residents sought safe outdoor activities. However, as the sport grew, so did concerns over noise, leading to reduced playing hours last spring at both Sprague and Perrin Park. Currently, only two courts at Schofield remain available for regular play, though their condition has been noted as subpar.
The town has been working to balance the needs of pickleball players, tennis players, and nearby residents. A study by Weston & Sampson explored potential sites for new courts, with the Morses Pond parking lot emerging as a possible option. However, opposition from neighbors, pond visitors, and trail users halted that plan.
Future Plans for Pickleball in Wellesley
A trial pickleball court setup is set to launch at the MassBay Community College Oakland Street parking lot later this spring. However, players have raised concerns that the asphalt surface may not be suitable for older participants or those with mobility issues.
The most significant development in Wellesley’s pickleball scene is a proposal to convert one of the Hunnewell tennis courts into multiple pickleball courts. This plan aligns with scheduled refurbishments and will be discussed at the Annual Town Meeting next month. While some worry about the impact on high school tennis teams, including potential changes to team sizes, the conversion could provide a permanent home for pickleball.
Committee Decisions and Ongoing Discussions
During Tuesday’s meeting, School Committee Chair Linda Chow was the only member to oppose the pickleball ban at Sprague, expressing concerns about removing a playing space before a clear alternative is in place. The committee also addressed the issue on March 11.
The pickleball shutdown at Sprague is expected within weeks to allow time for the Recreation Department to update reservation systems and inform the public.
Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), which met simultaneously with the School Committee on March 18, discussed the future of pickleball at Perrin Park. No vote was taken, but the NRC is expected to make a decision after Town Meeting. As Commissioner Jay McHale pointed out, court space will be limited this summer, especially if Hunnewell renovations proceed as planned.
One unresolved issue is how user fees may be applied to pickleball courts, a topic also discussed at the NRC session.
Growing Indoor Options
Even as outdoor court availability fluctuates, indoor pickleball options have expanded. The new Longfellow Wellesley Tennis & Health Club near the Babson skating rink is among several venues providing alternative spaces for play.
News in Brief: Wellesley Bans Public Pickleball at Sprague Courts
Wellesley’s School Committee voted 4-1 to end public pickleball at Sprague courts, allowing use only for middle school classes. The decision follows noise complaints and ongoing efforts to find a permanent solution. The town is considering a Hunnewell tennis court conversion, while a trial court plan at MassBay launches this spring.
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