Resident raises concerns about Perkins Park shelter potentially replacing basketball court

Burlington — During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Susan Van Pelt urged the council to reconsider siting a proposed shelter house at Perkins Park if it would remove an existing full basketball court used by children.

Van Pelt, who gave her name and address (1037 North 7th), praised recent park improvements including pickleball courts and lighting but said she learned two basketball hoops were removed and that part of the ballcourt appears slated for a 25-by-30-foot shelter house listed as agenda item 12. “Instead of taking this ballpark basketball court with 4 basketball hoops away from the kids that use it…couldn't we afford a 20 by 30 piece of cement next to the pickleball court or somewhere else so we're not taking away that full basketball court for the kids?” she asked.

She said she had raised the issue with parks staff (she referenced speaking with Eric) and asked why lights for the basketball court were not yet installed; she understood there were funding or scheduling reasons but requested clearer explanations and alternatives so youth recreation is preserved.

Context: Item 12 (a resolution approving a bid for construction of the open-air shelter building in Perkins Park) was included on the consent agenda the clerk described earlier in the meeting. Council approved the consent omnibus, and the record shows the shelter project remained on that consent list (with items 10 and 13 removed for separate consideration). The transcript does not record a project redesign or a staff reply to Van Pelt’s specific siting request during this meeting.

What's next: Van Pelt asked for follow-up; the transcript indicates she had previously spoken with staff. Council members and staff did not record a decision in the meeting to relocate or alter the shelter; follow-up with parks staff was implied.