Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Facilities Pickleball topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks staff propose four lit pickleball courts at Waveny; officials urge testing, consider six
Summary
Parks staff proposed installing four lit pickleball courts at Waveny Park, citing high demand and fewer sound complaints than other locations; several officials urged exploring six courts, noise testing and specialist input on orientation and design before final approval.
John (Parks Department presenter) outlined a concept for new pickleball courts at Waveny Park, showing an approximate site and saying staff propose installing four courts with lighting. He said the location’s topography and evergreen buffer make it “a great addition” and that staff wanted courts residents could use earlier in the morning and later in the evening.
The proposal generated immediate support from several board members and commissioners who described pickleball as “exploding” in popularity. Michael (Co‑chair, Board of Finance) and other officials asked why only four courts; staff replied they would prefer six if the site and design allow it and agreed to evaluate whether six courts could be fit into the available footprint.
Officials raised two recurring concerns: sound and court orientation. Penny and other members asked about noise reaching the Waveny pool and neighboring properties; John said staff believe the pool sits below the proposed courts and that existing tree buffers should reduce sound, but commissioners recommended formal noise testing before construction. Several participants urged that a pickleball design specialist review placement and direction of play; John confirmed staff have spoken with a local contractor experienced with courts and would invite court designers and the town landscape architect, Keith Simpson, into design work.
Staff discussed alternatives: temporary seasonal surfaces for paddle courts and siting at Mead Park (which has residential neighbors and known sound complaints). Zach (Recreation Director) and others said Mead is less suitable because lighting and earlier hours there draw complaints; one participant noted the town may not be able to add lights at Mead because of the residential setting.
Ending: Staff asked that the board treat the request as a site‑selection and design phase; they will pursue noise testing, consult pickleball design experts, and return with a firm layout (including an assessment of whether six courts will fit) before the board considers capital funding.
