Whalley Park to Get New Pickleball Courts: In a tightly contested vote, the Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission has moved forward with a proposal to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), seeking an allocation of $670,000 to construct six pickleball courts at Whalley Park. The decision came with a 3-2 vote, showing the debate and differing opinions surrounding the project’s costs and necessity.
Commissioners Clash Over Project Costs
Commissioner John Whalley III, clearly eager to push the proposal forward, urged his colleagues to vote on the matter at their meeting last week.
“I would really like to vote on it tonight so we can present it next week [to the CPC].” – (Whalley)
His sense of urgency reflects the growing popularity of pickleball, a sport that has seen a surge in demand across the country. However, not all commissioners shared his enthusiasm. Commissioner David DeiDolori voiced concerns about the estimated $670,000 cost to build the new courts, suggesting the need for more time to evaluate the proposal and its long-term impact on the town’s budget.
Despite these reservations, Whalley’s push for immediate action won the day, allowing the proposal to move forward for further consideration by the CPC.
A Growing Demand for Pickleball Facilities
As pickleball’s popularity continues to grow, Southwick finds itself caught between the sport’s expanding community and the fiscal realities of public investment.
With the request now in the hands of the CPC, the future of the courts—and the broader push for more recreational facilities—hangs in the balance. The decision to seek such a substantial allocation speaks to the increasing importance of providing updated and accessible amenities for residents.
News in Brief: Whalley Park to Get New Pickleball Courts
The Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission has voted 3-2 in favor of seeking a $670,000 allocation from the town’s Community Preservation Committee to build six pickleball courts at Whalley Park.
Commissioner John Whalley III pushed for a swift vote to present the proposal to the CPC next week, despite concerns from Commissioner David DeiDolori about the project’s cost and the need for further review. The proposal now heads to the CPC for final consideration.
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