Richmond committee approves tree plan and advances pickleball court signage and contractor coordination

The Richmond Recreation Committee on March 1 approved a motion to plant landscaping around the proposed Browns Court pickleball courts and moved forward with signage, hours and finish decisions to prepare for construction.

The committee voted to place 15 trees on each short side of the courts, 30 trees along the east long side, four trees in a semicircle at the east-side parking corner and, contingent on construction of a bocce/botchi court, an additional 20 trees along the proposed south boundary. Committee member Fran made the motion to record the exact placement so project manager Tyler would have clear direction, saying, "I move that we plant 50 arboritas along the short side of the pickle ball court, 30 along the long side... and 20 along the botchi if it's built." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Members also agreed to finalize court signage and basic operating rules before construction: numbered court signs for courts one through four, a centrally placed 11x17 laminated rules sign between the two doors, and a small sandwich-board ‘open/closed’ sign at the entrance. Suggested content includes a starting-hours template (committee discussion favored an initial 8 a.m.–6 p.m. schedule that can be adjusted by the committee), an explicit ‘‘no bicycles, no scooters, no skates, no skateboards’’ line, a prohibition on pets on court surfaces, and a "play at your own risk" notice. Resident Jess, when asked about game length, said most casual matches are brief but groups can rotate throughout an hour, a detail the committee cited when choosing not to set hard time limits.

On equipment and logistics, members asked the contractor whether they would provide or rent hoses and temporary utilities; the committee asked staff to confirm the contractor’s needs and to arrange a site meeting if necessary. The group also agreed Tess and another designated committee member may coordinate paint-color options and other finish decisions with the contractor to avoid holding up work. That housekeeping authorization was approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: Approving the tree plan and clarifying signage and hours are intended to lock in key permitting and DRB (Development Review Board) submission details so the contractor and town staff can proceed with permits and site preparation once funding and seasonal conditions allow. Committee members noted that some other project funding remains dependent on FEMA reimbursements for flood-related expenses and on select-board budgeting decisions.

The committee asked staff to send the written motion language to project manager Tyler, to finalize draft sign verbiage for committee review at the next meeting, and to provide the contractor contact information so construction timing and equipment needs can be confirmed. The committee indicated volunteer planting and community projects would be possible when the schedule is set.

The meeting adjourned after setting the next steps for sign drafts, contractor coordination and confirmation of the planting plan.