Pickleball Plans for Morses Pond: The Wellesley Recreation Commission is set to hold an online public hearing on Monday, September 30, at 6 PM. This meeting aims to present and discuss the latest developments concerning the proposed construction of four pickleball courts at the Morses Pond parking lot.
Presentation by Weston & Sampson
Central to the hearing will be a presentation by Weston & Sampson, the town’s consulting partner for the project. Following the presentation, a question-and-answer session will allow residents to voice their opinions and concerns. A draft of the presentation is available on the town’s website, providing insights into the project and its implications for the community.
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Since the onset of the pandemic, pickleball has surged in popularity across Wellesley, with many residents embracing the sport as a safe and engaging outdoor activity. The Recreation Department recorded an impressive 2,000 hours of reserved play last year, a clear indicator of the growing demand for accessible pickleball facilities.
Yet, with enthusiasm comes challenges; the sport’s noise has raised concerns among nearby residents. The town has sought to balance these conflicting interests by limiting play at certain locations, particularly at repurposed tennis courts, while planning for future courts that minimize disruption to local neighborhoods.
Organized efforts have emerged from supporters and opponents of the project, actively participating in town meetings across various committees, including Recreation, School, and Natural Resources. The Wellesley Community Pickleball group has been instrumental in collaborating with town officials to demand for the sport, while a newly formed organization, Preserve Our Woodlands, is focused on ensuring that local voices are heard amid potential developments in the North 40 area.
Among the chief concerns raised is the anticipated increase in traffic, with some predicting that the pickleball courts at Morses Pond could generate tens of thousands of additional vehicle trips along Turner Road.
Investment in Feasibility Studies
Last fall, Wellesley’s Special Town Meeting approved a $70,000 budget to investigate pickleball’s impact on the community. Phase I of the study, conducted by Weston & Sampson, included an inventory of existing courts, public surveys, and an evaluation of potential new locations.
Ultimately, the consultancy ruled out four of the five proposed sites and identified the Morses Pond parking lot as the most promising option that could accommodate the needs of players, residents, environmentalists, and town officials.
Moving into Phase II, Weston & Sampson is now focused on the specifics of constructing the courts at the identified parking lot site. The draft presentation notes the rejection of two other locations within the Morses Pond area while highlighting a feasible option at the back of the parking lot.
This site would require minimal tree removal, offer a greater distance from trail users, and provide a relatively flat playing surface. Two configurations are being considered: one within the current parking area and another adjacent to it.
Addressing Sound and Cost
To address potential noise issues, the proposal includes a 15-foot sound barrier alongside the courts, based on an acoustics study conducted during Phase I. According to the consultancy, no residential properties are located within 500 feet of the proposed court site. While earlier discussions had floated the idea of constructing a hangar-like facility to cover the courts, no updates on that proposal were included in the latest presentation.
“Based on the feedback we received through public surveys and town-wide inventory, it is recommended that four dedicated pickleball courts be located at Morses Pond to alleviate the growing demand and needs of the community.” – (draft presentation)
The proposed courts could provide up to 4,800 hours of playtime during daylight, weather permitting.
The estimated construction cost for the courts ranges from $558,000 to $637,000, accounting for site preparation, storm water drainage, fencing, and other essential features. A significant factor influencing the overall cost will be the choice of materials, with options including bituminous surfaces or the more expensive post-tension concrete, each presenting its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Public Participation Encouraged
During the September 30 meeting, members of the public will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions, though each participant will be limited to three minutes. Those wishing to join the meeting can email [email protected] by noon on September 30 to receive a Zoom link and secure a place in the queue for comments. Advance written feedback is also welcome at the same email address.
While the Recreation Commission briefly touched on the topic of pickleball in its September 24 meeting, there was no in-depth discussion at that time, leaving much anticipation for the upcoming public hearing.
News in Brief: Pickleball Plans for Morses Pond
On September 30 at 6 PM, the Wellesley Recreation Commission will hold an online public hearing regarding four proposed pickleball courts at Morses Pond parking lot. The meeting will feature a presentation by Weston & Sampson, followed by a Q&A session.
The growing popularity of pickleball has raised concerns about noise and traffic, prompting community discussions and organized efforts from supporters and opponents. Estimated construction costs range from $558,000 to $637,000, with public participation encouraged during the meeting.
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