New Pickleball Courts in Clinton: The Indian River Recreational Complex (IRRC) has officially unveiled its new pickleball courts, marking a significant milestone after a year-long discussion that engaged the local community and officials. This new addition highlights the growing popularity of pickleball, making it a vital asset for residents.
Parks and Recreation Update
At the Town Council meeting held on September 18, Parks and Recreation Department Director Robert Potter shared exciting news regarding various departmental initiatives. A key highlight was the opening of the new pickleball courts, now available for public use.
“The courts have been lit and are already a big hit,” Potter noted, emphasizing their immediate popularity. He added, “If you go up there every morning, the parking lot is jam-packed,” illustrating the high demand for pickleball facilities in the area.
Controversial Decisions
The path to establishing these courts has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, concerned citizens raised the alarm during a Town Council meeting about the insufficient availability of pickleball courts in Clinton. In response to this rising demand, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) proposed using a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace the existing basketball court at IRRC with dedicated pickleball courts.
However, the proposal met significant resistance from a segment of the community. A public hearing in June 2023 attracted a larger-than-normal crowd, many of whom opposed the idea of removing a basketball court that they argued served the youth of the community.
Despite claims that the basketball court was not regularly used, residents contended it was often utilized during non-business hours. To address this concern, Council member Brian Roccapriore suggested implementing a device to monitor court usage, providing hard data to inform future decisions.
A Twisty Path to Resolution
In light of community feedback, the Town Council postponed a scheduled meeting to approve the ARPA spending plan, opting instead for a workshop to explore options that might preserve the basketball court. Initially, a compromise appeared to emerge with a revised proposal to construct three new courts on undeveloped land adjacent to IRRC’s baseball field. This proposal received community approval, with residents agreeing to a budget of $209,122 for the project, alongside other ARPA initiatives.
However, in November 2023, complications arose when PRC Chairman Joe Schettino and Potter reported that preliminary site work revealed buried electrical conduits at the proposed location. These unexpected findings would push the project beyond budget, necessitating a reevaluation of the plans.
Faced with the options of relocating closer to wetlands or scaling back to two courts, the team ultimately recommended sticking with the original plan to convert the basketball court into three dedicated pickleball courts. This option not only maintained the number of courts but also utilized existing lighting and pathways.
Final Decision
The Town Council members agreed to move forward with this revised plan, recognizing the financial and logistical considerations presented by Potter and Schettino. While some community members expressed disappointment over the loss of the basketball court, former Town Council Chair Chris Aniskovich emphasized the need to prioritize long-term benefits for the community and its growing interest in pickleball.
News in Brief :New Pickleball Courts in Clinton
The new pickleball courts at the Indian River Recreational Complex are now open, concluding a year-long discussion. Parks and Recreation Director Robert Potter announced their availability at a Town Council meeting on September 18, noting their immediate popularity. The path to this opening involved community pushback against replacing a basketball court with pickleball facilities, ultimately leading to the decision to convert the existing court. Despite some disappointment, the council prioritized the growing demand for pickleball, ensuring three well-equipped courts for residents.
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