The following was sent to us by a reader –
Greetings!
I am writing in support of the proposed Pickleball courts currently under consideration for Symonds Way.
I have been a Reading resident for 21 years now, and have enjoyed playing Pickleball since 2019. Living near the courts at Memorial Park, I have seen the immense popularity of the sport and the way it improves both the physical and social health of its participants. Pickleball occupies a sweet spot among sports, being accessible to residents of all ages and fitness levels. I personally was skeptical when I first heard the name (Pickleball? Really?), but like so many people who have tried playing, I was quickly converted. It’s absurdly fun.
Pickleball courts are social hubs, too. Having focal points for camaraderie and friendly competition is healthy for a town. I’ve met countless new friends bopping a little plastic ball back and forth, and I know I’m not the only one! And they’re good for local businesses. I have personally run into folks who came to Memorial Park for pickleball and then had dinner afterward at the Public Kitchen. I don’t doubt that’s a fairly common phenomenon.
Why do I support these proposed courts in particular?
- There aren’t enough local courts currently to meet the demand, and the sport is only growing more popular year by year. The Memorial Park courts are overloaded on nice days, and it’s hard to find available reservations. In terms of serving the desires of Reading’s population, there is clearly demand. And having more options will give newcomers more opportunities to find an open court and try the sport for themselves!
- The Symonds Way lot is not in a residential area, forestalling any worries of noise complaints— because that’s a legitimate concern. (And, really, being close to the Rifle and Revolver Club means pickleballs striking paddles will be only the second-loudest popping sound coming from the area!)
- Lights! Having lit courts in Reading means more opportunities to play, and in the hottest summer months, evening sessions will allow people to enjoy the sport without melting.
In my two decades of living in Reading, I’ve seen many quality-of-life improvements—a new public park, the rebuild of downtown (yes, I loved the Dummy too, but still…), the Town Forest parking lot, and more—and I see new pickleball courts as continuing that tradition. As such, I urge Town Meeting to approve moving forward with the process.
Thank you for your consideration.
-Dorian Hart
resident of Precinct 2 since 2004
