Town Delays Pickleball Court Upgrades: In a recent decision, the town has opted to postpone upgrades to the aging tennis courts at Memorial Park, a move that has left many pickleball enthusiasts disheartened. Several years ago, $175,000 was allocated to replace the outdated tennis courts, but the project was delayed due to uncertainties surrounding a townwide reappraisal. According to town manager Charles Safford, this reappraisal was completed earlier this spring.
Community Outcry for Pickleball Facilities
Park users and staff have increasingly voiced their concerns about the deteriorating condition of the tennis courts, advocating for the funds to be redirected towards pickleball facilities instead. The growing popularity of pickleball, particularly among the over-60 demographic, has shifted the focus of many residents. At the selectboard meeting on July 10, selectboard member Ethan Carlson highlighted the urgent need for improvements. “The court’s an embarrassment and I’ve never seen anyone play tennis on it,” Carlson stated, underscoring the facility’s poor condition and the sport’s rising prominence.
Pickleball Usage Dominates, Tennis Usage Dwindles
The demand for pickleball courts has become clear, with Stowe parks and recreation department head Matt Frazee reporting a 90/10 split between pickleball and tennis usage. Deb Drinkwater, a newly appointed recreation commission member, noted that pickleball has gained a strong foothold in Stowe, with around 400 regular players. This significant shift in usage has prompted calls for the town to prioritize pickleball upgrades over tennis.
Debate Over Long-Term Solutions
Despite the clear demand for pickleball facilities, selectboard member Nick Donza cautioned against using the $175,000 for short-term repairs. “I don’t know that I want to see it just get band-aided,” Donza remarked. He expressed a preference for waiting three to five years to implement a more comprehensive solution rather than spending the funds on temporary fixes. Donza highlighted that one of the reasons he joined the selectboard in 2020 was to influence the Memorial Park master plan, emphasizing his commitment to a strategic approach.
Concerns About Deferred Maintenance
Some attendees at the meeting voiced concerns that delaying maintenance could lead to further deterioration of the courts, resulting in wasted funds. Public works director Harry Shepard reassured the community that while the courts are not in ideal shape, they are not currently unsafe. He noted that Stowe residents were still using the courts without apparent issues. However, with the public works department currently focused on recovery efforts from recent floods, any plans to address the courts this construction season have been put on hold. “That’s not an option at this point,” Safford said.
Frustration Over Delayed Action
Michael Diender, a long-time member of the town’s development review board and an avid pickleball player, expressed frustration over the delay in addressing the court conditions. Diender felt that the $175,000 should have been utilized sooner, warning that continued postponement could result in further damage. “Right now, when you drive by and see people play on that court, it’s an embarrassment,” Diender said.
Board Decision and Future Considerations
Ultimately, the board voted 3-2 to table the discussion on the court upgrades, with Carlson and Jo Sabel Courtney opposing the delay. Safford assured the public that while the matter is tabled, it will not be forgotten. “It just means it’s tabled, and will resurface later, no pun intended,” he said, signaling that the issue will be revisited once the town’s other pressing concerns have been addressed.
News in Brief: Town Delays Pickleball Court Upgrades
The town has postponed the $175,000 upgrade for aging tennis courts at Memorial Park due to a focus on broader park plans and recovery from recent floods. While pickleball has surged in popularity, with a 90/10 split in court usage, the selectboard debated whether to use the funds for immediate repairs or wait for a comprehensive solution. Despite concerns about the courts’ deteriorating condition and potential waste of funds if delayed, the board voted 3-2 to table the discussion. Town officials emphasized that the issue would resurface once current priorities, including flood recovery, are addressed.
ALSO READ: Foxboro Welcomes Back the Pickleball Classic at Patriot Place
