Leverett Pickleball Courts Proposal: Pickleball enthusiasts in Leverett are pushing to build two courts on land between the Leverett Library and Leverett Elementary School on Montague Road. The group plans to seek Community Preservation Act funding at the Annual Town Meeting next spring, along with other grants, for a project estimated at $75,000.
Plans for the Courts
The proposed courts would include one that is wheelchair accessible and connect to an accessible trail from the library. Players would park along the street. About 20 people currently play weekly matches on Saturday mornings at the school.
Peter Sylvan of Teawaddle Hill Road said,
“It’s quite popular; we think it would get a fair amount of usage.”
Advocates noted that similar projects have been completed in other towns in the region.
Concerns From Town Officials
Support from residents and municipal boards is not guaranteed. The Council on Aging is considering using the land for senior activities. There is also a preliminary idea to move the Field Building, the former library at 1 Shutesbury Road, to the site to expand municipal buildings.
Selectboard member Tom Hankinson called the plan a great idea but raised questions about upkeep. Selectboard Chair Pat Duffy noted that neighborhood support will be key and said,
“My biggest concern with this is noise and our noise bylaw.”
Town Meeting voters must approve any changes to the field, a measure passed in 2021 to protect greenspace for possible future uses like solar arrays. Selectboard member Jed Proujansky said,
“My main worry is possibly losing the one large gathering spot for the community,”
citing its use during the 250th anniversary celebrations in 2024. Planning Board member Richard Nathhorst questioned the long-term value, saying,
“It’s going to be a fad and gone in a few years.”
Next Steps
The committee will continue seeking funding and support from residents and town boards. If approved, the project would provide dedicated pickleball space in Leverett while balancing community needs for recreation and greenspace.
News in Brief: Leverett Pickleball Courts Proposal
Leverett residents are pushing to build two pickleball courts between the library and elementary school. The $75,000 project would include a wheelchair-accessible court. Town officials and residents have raised concerns about noise, upkeep, and use of the greenspace, while supporters highlight the growing popularity of the sport.
ALSO READ: Sterling Heights Unveils $10M Indoor Pickleball Courts—Residents Invited to Shape the Future