Symonds Way’s Pickleball Court Funding: Town Meeting members in Reading voted Monday night to delay a decision on a $1 million borrowing plan for new pickleball courts. The vote on Article 14 was postponed until Thursday, giving town officials more time to explore legal ways to fund the project using user fees.
The goal is to find a method that allows the recreation department to charge court users and use that income to support construction and long-term upkeep of the courts. Town Meeting rules prevent directly using fee income for capital projects, but officials believe user charges could free up other funds.
Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman and Community Services Director Jenna Wood said there is no rule stopping the town from collecting fees for using sports fields or courts. The hope is that some of that money could be redirected within the recreation budget to help support the project.
“We’ve got a lot of things that have gone on here. I am moving that we table this article until Thursday, when staff has a chance to review what was said tonight and can come back with some recommendations,” said Town Meeting member Philip Pacino, who first called for the delay.
Project Background and Costs
The plan calls for building up to seven pickleball courts across from the Burbank Ice Arena on Symonds Way. The courts would be close to a new intergenerational center that depends on voter approval of the ReCAL project.
After earlier plans were dropped due to noise issues, the Select Board supported this new location. Officials cut project costs from $1.9 million to $1.5 million by removing one court and leaving out lights for now.
Jayne Wellman said the total cost would be $1.5 million. Of that, $225,000 would come from the Reading Pickleball Players Association, and another $300,000 from the Burbank Arena and recreation capital funds. Article 14 asks to borrow the remaining $1 million over ten years.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, because it’s inclusive and playable by people of all ages, abilities, and economic means,” said Wellman. “We believe this ethic of inclusivity and adaptability combined with cleaning up this site and using it for wellness makes this an important project for our community.”
Funding Concerns and Amendments
Some residents supported the project but raised concerns about cost, especially with a $157.9 million school and community center project underway. Others noted possible tax increases coming soon.
“I love this plan and want these courts. My concern is paying for it,” said Daniel Malone of Precinct 6. “There’s been a theme this whole Town Meeting about us spending more than we’re taking in. But we haven’t done anything about it yet. We’ve green-lit [every spending request that’s come before us] so far.”
“This is a great project, but maybe it’s not the right time,” added Amy Sane of Precinct 3. “If this was something that was monetized and we could pay back in several years [through user fees or a lease], it would be an easy ‘yes’ for me.”
Steven Cool of Precinct 6 proposed that the town lease the courts to the Reading Pickleball Players Association after they become a private group. He said this would shift the costs to the RPPA, which could charge fees to cover the project.
“It decouples the town from much of the responsibility for the costs of the courts,” said Cool.
But Town Counsel Ethan Dively warned that this idea could break state rules about town contracts and bidding. “I am concerned that this funding would be contingent upon the formation of a corporation that doesn’t currently exist. It would be, to say the least, highly unusual,” he said.
“I”m equally concerned that the town would be planning from the outset to lease this facility and we’d end up in a situation where procurement becomes very difficult.” – (Dively)
One RPPA member also asked that the idea be rejected. Cool’s amendment was ultimately voted down.
Later, Tom Wise of the School Committee suggested requiring user fees to be part of the article. “The intent here is to figure out a way to [mandate user fees]. I’m hesitant to do that because we don’t ask people to pay for basketball courts or like spaces, but tough times require call for tough measures,” said Wise. He withdrew the idea after more legal concerns were raised.
Looking Ahead
Despite funding disagreements, most people agreed the courts would be well-located and popular. Data from Memorial Park shows 14,650 court reservations were made last year by local residents.
Wellman said the recreation department, which earns about $900,000 each year, is able to manage court fees if needed. Town officials will now spend the next few days reviewing ideas and preparing updates before the Thursday meeting.
News in Brief: Symonds Way’s Pickleball Court Funding
Reading Town Meeting members postponed a vote on $1 million for new pickleball courts until Thursday to review legal ways to use court fees. While many support the courts, some worry about the cost during a time of big local spending. Officials hope to present new funding options soon.
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