Parks Commission plans conversion of tennis courts to pickleball at Ninigret Park
October 28, 2024 | Charlestown, Washington County, Rhode Island
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The Charlestown Town Council convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss several key community initiatives, notably the conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts and the management of town-owned properties for potential affordable housing development.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to convert two existing tennis courts into six pickleball courts at Ninigret Park. This decision comes in response to the growing popularity of pickleball, which has led to overcrowding on current facilities. The council agreed to defer resurfacing the older tennis courts until the conversion is complete, with plans to request additional funding from the Budget Commission for the project in the next fiscal year. The pickleball courts will be strategically located across from the existing tennis courts, ensuring both sports can coexist in the park.
In addition to the pickleball discussion, the council addressed the management of town-owned properties, particularly in relation to affordable housing. The town administrator presented a report on three parcels of land, highlighting potential obstacles for development due to environmental concerns. While two of the parcels may be suitable for creating one or two affordable housing lots, the third parcel, which has a history of contamination, poses significant challenges. The council emphasized the need for further investigation into the environmental status of this land before proceeding with any development plans.
Council members expressed a desire to explore partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to facilitate affordable housing initiatives. They also discussed the importance of understanding the financial implications of any future development, particularly regarding potential liabilities associated with contaminated land.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing recreational facilities and addressing housing needs within the community, while also navigating the complexities of land management and environmental safety. The council's next steps will involve further research and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that these initiatives align with the town's long-term goals.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to convert two existing tennis courts into six pickleball courts at Ninigret Park. This decision comes in response to the growing popularity of pickleball, which has led to overcrowding on current facilities. The council agreed to defer resurfacing the older tennis courts until the conversion is complete, with plans to request additional funding from the Budget Commission for the project in the next fiscal year. The pickleball courts will be strategically located across from the existing tennis courts, ensuring both sports can coexist in the park.
In addition to the pickleball discussion, the council addressed the management of town-owned properties, particularly in relation to affordable housing. The town administrator presented a report on three parcels of land, highlighting potential obstacles for development due to environmental concerns. While two of the parcels may be suitable for creating one or two affordable housing lots, the third parcel, which has a history of contamination, poses significant challenges. The council emphasized the need for further investigation into the environmental status of this land before proceeding with any development plans.
Council members expressed a desire to explore partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to facilitate affordable housing initiatives. They also discussed the importance of understanding the financial implications of any future development, particularly regarding potential liabilities associated with contaminated land.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing recreational facilities and addressing housing needs within the community, while also navigating the complexities of land management and environmental safety. The council's next steps will involve further research and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that these initiatives align with the town's long-term goals.
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