Parks Commission to seek quotes to reseal basketball courts; commissioners discuss short-term pickleball options

The Town of Hubbardston Parks Commission discussed resurfacing the basketball courts and short-term options to accommodate rising local interest in pickleball during its June 11 meeting.

Parks Commission member Jesse Alexander said the commission has $8,000 in an account earmarked to reseal the basketball courts, and commissioners agreed to seek quotes for sealed surfacing. "So, in an account, we have $8,000 to reseal the basketball courts themselves," Alexander said.

Commissioners discussed interim, low-cost ways to allow pickleball play on existing courts: buying roll-away nets that can be set up when basketball is not in use, painting pickleball lines in a different color after the courts are resealed, or using taped temporary lines. They raised scheduling and usage questions — whether the town should designate times to avoid conflicts between basketball and pickleball or allow users to coordinate informally.

Mike Sall, a resident, recommended checking procurement rules with the town administrator before soliciting work. "I would check with the town administrator because that's a procurement," Sall said, noting that formal bidding is not required for projects under a $10,000 threshold but that town staff typically handle procurement guidance.

Commissioners identified possible contractors for seal-coating and agreed to collect dimensions and pricing. They discussed the longer-term option of building a dedicated pickleball facility on town land near a cell tower but noted that the land was previously allocated for a senior center and that the select board would need to weigh in.

What’s next: Commissioners will gather court dimensions, contact recommended contractors for quotes, confirm procurement steps with the town administrator, and explore grant options or community support for a permanent pickleball court.