Pickleball group asks Burrillville council to add lighting at Remington Park; council to explore costs

William Beatson, who identified himself as the coordinator for Burrillville's pickleball league, asked the Town Council Jan. 8 to install lights at the single outdoor court at Remington Park so players can use the court after dark.

"We have about 30 regular members," Beatson said, describing a group that ranges in age from 18 to people in their 70s. He told the council the group has tried portable, rechargeable lights on five-foot poles but those "just doesn't work well" and create blind spots. He said installing higher, permanent lighting on an existing pole at Remington Park would allow more evening play.

Beatson gave the council background on local and national pickleball participation and argued lighting would be a cost-effective way to expand use of the single court in town. "So our group's ask is number 1 would be lighting for Remington Park," he said. He also recommended a longer-term look at adding courts at the middle or high school.

Councilors discussed options, including restriping existing tennis courts for dual use and the high cost of prior bids for court resurfacing. One councilor noted the town previously sought bids to convert middle-school courts but bids came in about twice the budgeted amount. The council asked staff to research potential costs and suggested the capital improvement plan (CIP) would be an appropriate place to include the project.

No formal motion or appropriation was made at the meeting. Councilors asked staff to obtain cost estimates and to consider the request when preparing the CIP.