Concord commission reviews draft rules for resurfaced pickleball and tennis courts; players warn insurance, fee changes could limit access

Phil Griffiths, chair of the Concord Recreation Commission, opened the April meeting and said the commission would review a draft update to the department’s outdoor facility rental policy covering resurfaced pickleball and tennis courts.

Leonard, speaking on behalf of the recreation department, said the redlined draft is intended to bring the courts’ rules into alignment with other town facility policies and to clarify reservation procedures. “We are looking to line up our current tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts to what we rent for inside,” Leonard said, explaining the goal of consistent pricing and clearer rules.

The draft would add Cushing Field and EPD Middle School to the list of overseen facilities, make reservations take precedence over open play, require users to have a MyRec account for bookings, and limit reservations to four bookings per week and two hours per court. AJ, another recreation staff member presenting details, said organizers must present proof of insurance: “An organized group must provide a certificate of insurance with general liability coverage for $1,000,000 and the town of Concord named as additionally insured.”

Staff also proposed operational rules intended to keep courts ready for play, including a $50 fee if a facility is left unplayable because of trash, a 15-minute buffer between reservations, equipment-use applications and prior approval for fundraisers through the deputy town manager because those require town permitting.

Long-time players and other meeting participants urged the commission to simplify language and consider how insurance and fee requirements would affect informal groups. One longtime player who identified themselves as part of the town’s pickleball community said the proposed requirements “feel very legalese” and could create barriers for citizens who come together informally to play. Another asked whether small groups that routinely meet without formal organization would be expected to obtain event insurance or sign waivers.

Commissioners and staff clarified that drop-in play and participants in department-run programs would not be required to provide separate insurance, because those activities are covered by program waivers; the insurance requirement applies to groups that reserve courts for private use. Leonard told the commission that municipalities in neighboring towns use similar requirements and that staff had consulted Arlington, Belmont, Lexington, Sudbury, Bedford and Medford while drafting the policy.

The draft also raises the standard hourly rental rate from $15 to $20 for courts, and staff noted that reserving two pickleball courts (the equivalent of a single tennis court for some uses) would result in a $40-per-hour charge in certain cases. Several speakers asked staff to provide links and guidance for obtaining event insurance and to estimate costs for small community groups.

Participants pressed staff on communication and enforcement: meeting attendees requested clearer public notice (flyers or QR codes linking to the draft), and one speaker asked whether a longstanding rule banning dogs on athletic fields is enforced; staff agreed to check the town’s practice and to post a revised draft after the meeting.

Staff said the policy would take effect when the court resurfacing project is complete and that the commission would have additional opportunities to revise the draft. Phil Griffiths closed by directing staff to post the revised draft, collect public comments and return the item at a future meeting for further consideration.