The Town of Stratford Parks & Rec Committee is considering a significant upgrade to the flood tennis courts, aiming to enhance the community's access to pickleball. During the April 4 meeting, committee members discussed the potential to repaint the courts and introduce new pickleball court lines that would allow for four pickleball courts to be set up on the existing tennis courts.

The proposed changes would involve painting the lines perpendicular to the tennis net, which would accommodate more players and maximize the use of the space. Currently, the setup allows for only one pickleball court per tennis court, but with the new configuration, the number of playable courts could double.

However, there are challenges to this plan. The committee noted that players would need to bring their own temporary nets, similar to setups in other local facilities. This requirement raises questions about whether players would be willing to comply, as it could affect participation rates.

Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the pickleball initiative but emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from local players regarding the net situation. The repainting of the courts is also due, as maintenance is typically required every 7 to 10 years, with new technology promising to extend the lifespan of the paint to 10 to 12 years.

As discussions continue, the committee is keen to explore how other towns have successfully implemented similar setups and gauge community interest in the proposed changes. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact recreational opportunities in Stratford, particularly for pickleball enthusiasts.