Needham Recreation seeks design funding for Claxton action-sports park and pickleball courts; construction estimate $3M

Needham Park and Recreation presented a design request on March 12 for an Action Sports Park (skatepark/pump track) and pickleball courts at Claxton Park, asking the Community Preservation Committee for $300,000 for design services and site permitting.

Recreation Director Stacy Mulroy said a 2022 feasibility study by consultant CHA evaluated four town locations and recommended Claxton as the preferred site. The design scope includes placement of up to eight or more pickleball courts (exact count to be determined during design to avoid wetlands impacts), a skate/action-sports area incorporating a pump track, associated access and parking improvements and a sound study for the courts.

Costs and schedule: Mulroy said CHA estimated combined construction costs for both amenities at about $3 million in FY27; the CPC request is for design funds to allow bidding and more precise construction cost estimates. If design funding is approved this May, the department aims to award a design contract this summer and return to CPC for construction funding the following year.

Public comment: Several residents and users urged strong support for both the skate park and pickleball facilities. Speakers noted the recreational and community benefits of dedicated spaces for teens and diverse users and asked that planners consider traffic, sidewalks and parking impacts along Central Avenue and Claxton access points.

Next steps: If CPC design funds are awarded, Recreation plans neighborhood outreach, a working group, wetlands permitting where needed and a design contract that will produce a construction-ready package for a future CPC request.