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Select Board approves $12,703 conservation reserve funding for Browns Court pickleball amenities
Summary
The board approved $12,703.07 from the conservation reserve fund to buy trees, hoses and two benches plus a picnic table with concrete ADA pads at Browns Court; proponents said pads improve accessibility while at least one commenter argued conservation funds should prioritize other uses.
The Richmond Select Board voted to approve using $12,703.07 from the town’s conservation reserve fund to purchase trees, garden hoses and benches — including concrete pads for two benches and a picnic table — to complete amenities near the new Browns Court pickleball courts.
Judy and other members of the 3 Parks Committee described the remaining work as roughly $22,000 of installations left on the project and said the concrete pads were recommended by the bench manufacturer to make the seating and table ADA-compatible and more durable. "It allows makes it easier for the mowers… If you're in a wheelchair, particularly where the picnic table would be, the wheelchair can wheel right up and be able to use the table," a committee member said.
Some residents questioned whether conservation reserve funds — historically used for conservation and access — should be allocated primarily to amenities for a single sport. Melissa Woliver, a nearby resident, said she was surprised to learn the reserve fund can be used for park amenities and asked the board to ensure pedestrian access around the park is preserved.
Board members and committee supporters noted the conservation reserve policy also supports access to recreation and said benches and ADA-compatible pads increase inclusivity for older residents and people with disabilities. The board moved to approve the conservation committee’s recommendation and voted in favor; the motion was made by David Sanders and seconded by Bart Hill.
The approved funding covers the benches, some trees and related site work; the select board asked staff and the committee to confirm final installation details and to monitor neighborhood impacts during construction.
