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Commission signals priority for pickleball courts; picnic plaza proposal to be studied
Summary
Commissioners preferred funding four lit pickleball courts before building an estimated $290,000 raised picnic plaza, and discussed related parking impacts and pavilion and playground siting.
The New Canaan Parks & Recreation Commission agreed to prioritize funding design and construction of pickleball courts over a proposed raised picnic plaza in the Waveney area.
In its capital request staff included an estimated $200,000 to build four lit pickleball courts and a separate $290,000 estimate for a raised platform picnic plaza and viewing area. John (staff member) said the plan shows room for the courts near the paddle‑board area and that the town may also need to rework the adjacent parking lot; commissioners noted the parking redesign could reduce about six spaces.
Commissioners argued demand for pickleball is strong and recommended the commission express a preference to the budget reviewers that pickleball courts be funded first, with the picnic plaza deferred for further study on optimal siting. The commission also discussed a proposed pavilion (roofed structure) near the bathrooms to support summer programs and year‑round use.
Members asked staff to examine alternative picnic locations — for example adjacent to a future playground or behind Lapham — and to evaluate tradeoffs among parking spaces, court demand and picnic‑area placement. The commission did not approve construction funding at the meeting but agreed to present a prioritized preference to the town’s capital review process.
