The following was sent to us by a reader –
To the Editor,
A recent Letter the Editor, in favor of new pickleball ball courts at Symonds Way, stated, erroneously, that “the funding for construction” for the new courts had “unanimous support” of the Select Board and Finance Committee.
While the Select Board closed the Annual Town Meeting warrant and voted to send the pickleball article to Town Meeting, they were not supportive of the courts at the nearly $1.9 million price tag that was presented to them by the architects, a cost that was nearly double what the Select Board, and even the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA), were expecting. I urge the residents of Reading to watch the Select Board meeting to hear the conversation before calling Town Meeting members and urging them to support and vote in favor of the project, based upon the misinformation of the previous letter.
https://thereadingpost.com/2025/03/06/proposed-pickleball-courts-could-cost-nearly-1-9m/
While the architects stated 4 to 6 pickleball courts is the norm for what they see being built in other towns, the RPPA urged the town to construct 8 lighted courts, which was cut back to 7 in the final plan, due to concerns by the Conservation Commission. This plan would make Reading a “destination” and “premiere” location in the Northeast, according to town staff and a town official. With 2 major construction projects to be voted on soon, and with talk of another override and heavy reliance on free cash, I question whether this is the right project to go through at this time. I understand the desire for new courts and would have supported a more appropriate project at the lower cost (about $1 million), but I cannot support this project ($1.792 million in warrant report) at this price tag. If a town official stated at the FinCom meeting that the “staff is confident we can do this for $1.5,” why does the Town Meeting put the current cost at nearly $1.8? How confident are they, really? And if the cost goes up, past $1.8 million, will the Town come back to Town Meeting for more money, as it did for the field house floor, or will it reassess the project and wait? When the presentation was made to the Finance Committee in March, one member said they would “maybe support 4 courts.” Another FinCom member asked why this needed to be brought to Town Meeting now, as the “numbers are still fungible.” “Why not wait?” they asked.
In the past few years Town Meeting has appropriated $4.84 million for the Birch Meadow sports complex renovation phases 1 and 2, and approximately $3 million for the Field House floor and benches, in addition to funding Rec repairs, maintenance, and other smaller projects on the capital plan.
The Select Board asked town staff to return to it with a reduced plan with significantly lower cost, but to date that has not happened. At the last Select Board meeting, during public comment, I asked that the updated plan at the significantly reduced cost to be presented to the town residents in advance of Town Meeting, so all residents have an opportunity to see it before it is voted on at Town Meeting. I hope that happens.
Town Meeting will need to weigh the needs and wants and priorities of all Reading residents, not just a select few. This will not go to a town-wide vote; citizens are free to contact their Town Meeting representatives to let them know how they would like them to vote on the matter. As former Vice-Chair of the Recreation Committee, I am aware of the desire by some in town to have new lighted pickleball courts, and I would have supported a scaled back project that had a cost of approximately $1 million. As a Town Meeting member, I have also heard from neighbors who have asked me to vote “no” on this warrant article. At a nearly $1.8 million cost, with two major construction projects before us, and concerns of free cash and an override, I cannot support this project at this time.
Sincerely,
Angela Binda, Town Meeting member
Former Vice-Chair Recreation Committee
It is obvious to me that the “Architectural Firm” is taking advantage believing they may receive contract and walking away with a pocket full of cash. The price they quoted is outrageous, we are talking about a slab of concrete, painted lines, posts and nets, and a high fence around the court. Forget the lights, yes it will shorten play time in the Spring and fall, but we have plenty of extended light in the summer. My city also will take over at what is expected to be a busy weekend and add two temporary courts to half of the basketball court. You do not need an Architect, any multi faceted construction company ( with a designer) , could, I believe build your courts for a reasonable price. (Cement, fencing etc.,). You might also contact USA Pickleball, the national governing agency in the US, and request any information they may have concerning the construction of Pickleball courts. They may not, but research into building the courts is essential. Someone chooses or recommends an Architect, and guess what, most likely someone in City Hall, or on the city council, and this is where corruption and back room deals come into play. $1.9 million is an attempt to milk the city, put the court contract out for bids and see where the ball lands. Best of luck.