Bath’s Pickleball Popularity Soars: After previously addressing the Bath Township trustees, resident pickleball players returned to push for the construction of dedicated pickleball courts at Bath Community Park as bath’s Pickleball popularity soars. Resident Alan Kurzweil presented an updated pickleball court usage study that included data for July.
For the period from June 24-30, there were 153 pickleball players compared to 21 tennis players. From July 1-8, the numbers were 190 pickleball players and 19 tennis players. The period of July 9-21 saw 292 pickleball players and 38 tennis players, while from July 22-31, there were 256 pickleball players versus 36 tennis players. Overall, the study recorded 891 pickleball players and 114 tennis players over the five-week period, indicating a 77.2% higher number of pickleball players.
Calls for Dedicated Courts
“What is not reflected in the data is that there were multiple times when people left due to long wait times,” said Kurzweil, adding that Bath is getting a positive reputation for its pickleball facility.
Resident Chuck Gray advocated for rebuilding the courts to ensure they are sustainable for the next decade. He suggested developing six dedicated pickleball courts, emphasizing the importance of involving players in the planning process to avoid errors seen in other communities. Gray also proposed that with eight dedicated courts, Bath Park could host tournaments, potentially generating revenue for the township through local restaurant patronage. He mentioned ongoing talks with NuVue Bar and Grill about a pickleball-themed drink.
Recommendations for AEDs
Copley resident Chuck Penzenik recommended installing more automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) near the pickleball courts. Gaffney assured that the township would assess the AED locations across the parks.
Financial Matters
In financial decisions, the trustees approved the sale of the former Fire Station No. 2 at 70 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. to AMK Holding Co. for $200,000. Copley, which constructed the facility, will receive two-thirds of the sale price, with Bath receiving one-third. The agreement includes a split of the lot to keep the cemetery in Copley’s possession.
Additional Expenditures
Additionally, the trustees approved several purchase orders: $157,647 for renewing commercial, crime, and cyber liability insurance with Wichert Insurance, and $32,500 to the village of Richfield to cover a school resource officer for Revere Local Schools, with costs shared among Bath, Richfield, and the school district.
News in Brief: Bath’s Pickleball Popularity Soars
Residents advocating for dedicated pickleball courts at Bath Community Park presented new data showing a significant preference for pickleball over tennis. The updated study revealed a 77.2% higher number of pickleball players compared to tennis players over five weeks. Calls for six dedicated courts and potential tournament hosting were made, alongside a proposal for more AEDs near courts. In financial updates, trustees approved selling the former Fire Station No. 2 for $200,000, with funds split between Copley and Bath, and additional expenditures for insurance and a school resource officer were sanctioned.
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