Pickleball Expansion in Northampton: Northampton, Massachusetts, is ready to enhance its pickleball offerings with a major new development. On October 29, the city officially broke ground on six state-of-the-art pickleball courts at Ray Ellerbrook Field Park, located at 48 Burts Pit Rd. This move signals the city’s ongoing commitment to providing recreational opportunities that cater to residents of all ages, abilities, and skill levels.
A Vision for Connection and Active Lifestyles
During the ceremony, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra spoke enthusiastically about the project’s potential impact.
“This project, supported by so many generous advocates and partners, will foster connections, support active lifestyles and bring joy to players of all ages, abilities, and skill levels.” – (Gina-Louise Sciarra)
She emphasized how these new pickleball courts will offer a welcoming environment for families, friends, and neighbors to come together, stay active, and enjoy Northampton’s scenic outdoor spaces.
“These new courts will be a welcoming place for families, friends and neighbors to come together, stay active and enjoy our city’s beautiful outdoor space.” – (Gina-Louise Sciarra)
The Rise of Pickleball in Northampton
Anne-Marie Moggio, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, recalled the early days of pickleball’s arrival in the community.
“I first heard about pickleball in 2014, when a coworker from the DPW messaged me after seeing a news story about the sport. In 2019, we started our first league in cooperation with Look Park, so that’s pretty cool.” – (Anne-Marie Moggio)
The excitement for the sport only grew from there.
“In 2020, former Mayor [David] Narkewicz sat down with me and said, let’s talk about the pickleball … and then we know what happened.” – (Anne-Marie Moggio)
The Planning Process and Community Support
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city undertook a feasibility study in 2022-2023, conducted by Berkshire Design, to identify the ideal location for the new courts. The study presented four potential sites: Arcanum Field, Sheldon Field, Ray Ellerbrook Field, and Veterans Field.
After reviewing the options, Ray Ellerbrook Field was selected due to its existing recreational infrastructure, including multi-use playing fields, baseball/softball fields, and expansive grass areas, which made it an ideal site for the new pickleball courts.
By August 2023, the Northampton Parks and Recreation Department officially confirmed Ray Ellerbrook Field as the site for the courts. Shortly thereafter, the Northampton City Council and the Community Preservation Committee approved $350,000 in Community Preservation Act funding to make the vision a reality.
Additionally, a $29,000 contract was awarded to Berkshire Design Inc. for professional design services, which included landscape architecture, civil engineering, surveying, and analysis of environmental factors like wetlands, drainage, and utilities.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
“We had many community meetings, community input, and that followed with the support of hundreds of enthusiastic players and the city and supporters. Those [CPA] funds, along with the dedication and fundraising of the Friends of Northampton Pickleball have brought us to this point today.” – (Anne-Marie Moggio)
The Friends of Northampton Pickleball, a registered charitable 501(c)(3) organization, has been instrumental in supporting the project.
Not only did they raise funds to jumpstart the construction, but they are also actively running a fundraising campaign to cover additional amenities for the new courts, including a water fountain, restrooms, seating, shade, and wind screens. Interested individuals can contribute through the campaign site: Givebutter Campaign.
Jennifer Bryan, president of the Friends of Northampton Pickleball Board of Directors, expressed pride in the project’s success, saying,
“I think this sport has brought people together in a pretty unique way, and so it’s been an honor to be part of this project. There’s a lot of history here.” – (Jennifer Bryan)
With construction slated for completion by the end of May 2025, the new courts will surely become a vibrant hub for the growing pickleball community in Northampton.
News in Brief: Pickleball Expansion in Northampton
Northampton has broken ground on six new pickleball courts at Ray Ellerbrook Field Park, located at 48 Burts Pit Rd. The project, set for completion by May 2025, aims to support active lifestyles and create community connections.
Funded by a $350,000 grant and supported by the Friends of Northampton Pickleball, the courts will provide a welcoming space for players of all ages and skill levels. Fundraising efforts continue to enhance the site with additional amenities, including water fountains and seating.
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