New Pickleball Courts at Carlson Fields: In a decisive move this week, the select board gave the green light for the Recreation Department to submit a preliminary application to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for $316,000. This funding is aimed at initiating the construction of 12 dedicated pickleball courts at Carlson Fields Complex, along with a new parking lot.
The projected total cost for this development is $1.6 million. Board member William Ramsey recused himself from the vote due to a conflict of interest, as his wife serves on the Recreation Commission.
Community Demand and Site Selection
Mark Thorell, Recreation Department Director, highlighted the strong community interest in additional pickleball facilities. “There’s definitely a demand for pickleball courts,” Thorell stated, referencing concerns raised by around 40 pickleball players at a prior Recreation Commission meeting.
These players had voiced their frustrations over the shortage of dedicated courts and urged the commission to act. The Carlson Fields site on Bare Cove Park Drive emerged as the preferred location after evaluating several alternatives, thanks to its central placement within a popular recreational area.
Consideration of Other Locations
Other potential sites considered included Cronin Field, Plymouth River School, the high school, the town driving range on Union Street, and Margetts Field. Each was ultimately discarded for various reasons. Vicki Donlan, Recreation Commission Chair, emphasized the balance between tennis and pickleball needs, noting, “This is a wonderful opportunity,” while addressing concerns that current dual-purpose courts at Cronin Field and Plymouth River School were impacting tennis play.
Next Steps and Funding
The next phase involves securing a $37,000 design contract from existing funds, independent of CPC financing, and addressing any environmental considerations at the Carlson Fields site. Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, sourced from a town-approved tax surcharge, are designated for open space, community housing, historic preservation, and select recreation projects, with the state offering a partial match. Final approval for the pickleball court project will rest with the Town Meeting.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts at Carlson Fields
The Recreation Commission has proposed building 12 dedicated pickleball courts at Carlson Fields, with a preliminary application for $316,000 submitted to the Community Preservation Committee. The project’s total estimated cost is $1.6 million.
Mark Thorell highlighted strong community demand, supported by feedback from 40 local pickleball players. Carlson Fields was chosen over other sites due to its central location. The next steps include securing design funding and addressing environmental concerns, with final approval needed from the Town Meeting.
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