Carlson Field Pickleball Court Plans: The Hingham Select Board approved a contract on Tuesday night with CHA Consulting, Inc. to handle the design and permitting of new pickleball courts at Carlson Field. The exact number of courts has not been finalized, but plans will include sound barriers to protect nearby residents.
The same meeting also included support for new safety efforts, such as buying drones for the Hingham Police Department and installing more Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons to help pedestrians. The board also backed a plan to add a Route 220 bus stop near the ferry terminal to improve access to downtown Hingham.
Court Plan Details and Public Concerns
Julie Strehle, the Select Board liaison for the pickleball project, explained that although 12 courts were first proposed, the final count is still being discussed. She confirmed the agreement includes noise reduction steps.
Strehle also pointed out that tennis courts with pickleball overlays, like those at Plymouth River School and Cronin Field, are not the same as full-size pickleball courts. As a result, many residents are traveling to other towns to play.
CHA Consulting, Inc. was chosen after a bidding process. The firm has experience designing pickleball courts across the country.
Community Feedback on the Process
Hillside Terrace resident Hillary Tutko has long raised concerns about how noise, traffic, and other problems will affect the neighborhood. She reminded the board that town meeting voters approved the courts last spring “by a slim margin late at night.”
She also said she was upset that the Recreation Commission’s early July agenda didn’t show the court discussion until right before the meeting. High Street resident Susan Wetzel agreed, saying, “Agendas should be accurate, and when they’re not, the public will react.”
More Chances for Public Input
The project still needs to go through the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals. These meetings will give residents more chances to share opinions and learn new details.
“CHA offered a very competitive proposal,” said Recreation Commission Chair Vicki Donlan. “They have done a lot of work on pickleball courts throughout the United States — they are responsive and their work is stellar.”
Select Board Chair William Ramsey added, “We will hold public meetings [about the project] as well,” even though the board’s role is limited.
What Happens Next
The planning and permitting stage is underway. The town will continue to gather feedback from residents while working with CHA Consulting, Inc. to finalize court design and location. The public will have more chances to speak up before the plan is approved.
News in Brief: Carlson Field Pickleball Court Plans
Hingham’s Select Board approved a contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. to design new pickleball courts at Carlson Field. The plan includes noise reduction features. Residents raised concerns about agenda changes and neighborhood impact. Public hearings will continue before the project is finalized. A court count has not been set yet.