The following was sent to us by a reader –
I am writing in response to letter Supporting Killam and the Center for Active Living. I, too, am fully in favor of these projects and encourage everyone to support them. I was disappointed, however, that the author, who is the President of Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus continues her letter by writing that pickleball would only be a nice addition to the town. And, in reference to the pickleball courts writes, ”in this economic environment when people are fearful of being priced out of town, we need to think wisely about the use of every taxpayer dollar.”
Pickleball courts at Symonds way would provide many of the benefits to the 60+ community described in the letter: physical activity and socialization. But most importantly they would not be a significant driver in residential tax burdens.
I have been a Reading resident for 40 years and I am a member of the 60+ constituency. One of the things that I think makes Reading a great place to live is the town resources. We have a wonderful Library, a great school system, a beautiful town forest, a picturesque town center, and, of course, a hard-working, professional town staff. The Pleasant Street Center doesn’t meet the basic needs of the senior population. I was on the ReCAL Committee and I strongly support the ReCAL Project and I think the projects costs are well worth it.
I also strongly support the building of pickleball courts just down the road from the proposed site for ReCAL. The synergy between the two is obvious and they will be a great benefit to the town. The $1.5 authorization for the proposed courts is in a completely different category than the Killam or ReCAL Projects. Further, with the $200k+ contribution from the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) the cost to the town will be even less.
Let’s all work together to pass all these much needed projects: Killiam, ReCal, and pickleball courts. Don’t let the various needs of members of our community divide us. Instead, let’s support each other.
Sincerely,
Michael Coltman, Precinct 4
President Reading Pickleball Players Association
