GEORGETOWN – Selectman Mike Donahue, who also chairs the Parks and Recreation Commission, is conducting a public survey to gauge residents’ interest in using a $1 million donation from Jim Bussing Sr. to build a four-court, indoor pickleball facility.
The proposal is to build the facility at the East Main Street Recreational Area (also known as the East Main Street Fields) at 184 Church Street, which is owned and operated by the town’s Parks & Recreation Commission and by the town’s Conservation Commission to protect several ponds and wetlands.
Today, there is a ballfield, playground and dog park behind the New Life Community Church.
“Georgetown has always been home,” Bussing said. “I’m proud to contribute to something that will benefit families and future generations.”
Pickleball courts have sprung up around the region as the sport has become popular. Pickleball is regularly played on the tennis courts at Georgetown’s American Legion Park.
West Newbury last month opened two outdoor courts at Action Cove playground at a cost of $175,000.
In Topsfield D&R Indoor Sports Arena removed its pickleball courts. And Newburyport Parks Commission stopped play on an underused tennis court in the South End because the neighbors complained about the noise.
“This modern space would finally give our growing community year-round play, dedicated courts, instructional programs, youth and senior leagues, tournaments, and a true home base for the sport we love,” Donahue wrote. “Plans are also being considered to include bathrooms and showers that would serve both the facility and the general public who use the recreation area.”
Use of the courts would not be free, but could be discounted for Georgetown residents. The survey asks what would responders agree to pay to play. It suggested a range of $15 to $40 an hour, although it was unclear if that was for one or multiple court users. It also suggested there might be monthly or annual fees. The proposed monthly fees ranged from $71 to $140, while the proposed annual fee ranged from $701 to $1,200.
The Board of Selectmen has accepted the $1 million donation from Bussing specifically to support improvements at the East Main Recreational Area. Town Meeting voted down a warrant article 287 to 63 last spring that would have allowed the town to borrow $1.8 million to redevelop the East Street playground.
The Parks & Recreation Commission has also voted to rename the area the Jim Bussing Recreation Area. He was the original doner of the land for this park.
Although the facility would be owned and maintained by the town, Donahue declined to release the results of his survey publicly until he presented its findings to Bussing and several unidentified town officials.
“The facility will only move forward if there is strong, demonstrated local demand,” Donahue wrote. “We’ve heard community feedback loud and clear. Many dedicated taxpayers are concerned about long-term maintenance, staffing, and operational costs. For the Town of Georgetown to own and operate the facility, we must ensure it can be sustained without becoming a burden on taxpayers,” he wrote.
The survey can be found at:
tinyurl.com/pickleinterest. ♦
