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Narragansett council narrows Clark Road pickleball plan, approves redesigned four‑court footprint and stormwater permitting
Summary
Following hours of public testimony for and against expansion, the council amended the design motion to reconstruct the existing four‑court footprint at Clark Road, approved stormwater design services ($28,180), and directed inclusion of noise‑mitigation measures.
After more than three hours of public comment and debate, Narragansett's Town Council on Aug. 3 amended a design motion and approved the reconstruction of the Clark Road courts on the existing footprint — four courts rather than the previously proposed six.
Speakers from across the town gave sharply differing views. Opponents said the courts create a persistent high‑frequency noise (“pop, pop, pop”) that harms nearby residents’ quality of life and could depress property values; one neighbor warned of possible litigation over noise and encroachment on green space. Attorney Kevin Keenan, representing a nearby resident, urged the council to reconsider the design and examine constraints tied to past grant covenants.
Supporters argued the site is a vital community resource. Victoria Richards, a frequent player, described pickleball as an accessible activity that brings broad age groups together: “Pickleball should be free for those who wanna play it,” she said. Other proponents noted the courts are heavily used, that current surfaces are cracked and potentially hazardous, and that improvements would safeguard public safety.
The council debated competing concerns — noise, parking, historic‑grant restrictions, capacity for tournaments and the difference between renovation and reconstruction. Councilors agreed publicly on one design concession: include noise‑mitigation features and plantings during the design phase. The council amended the motion to limit the scope to a reconstructed four — not expanded — court layout and approved the stormwater management design and permitting contract with Beta Group, Inc. for $28,180 (vote 5–0).
Council members said the approach balances safety and recreational demand while limiting the immediate footprint change; they also directed staff to seek noise‑mitigation strategies during the 75% design stage. The town budget includes capital funds for the project; additional details and a refined design will return to the council with engineering specifics and permit milestones.
