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Pickleball CreationPage | 1 Pickleball Courts at Ray Ellerbrook Field Park Narrative Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It can be played by people of all ages, and combines tennis, badminton and ping pong. The demand for courts is huge, and the number of people playing in our area is in the thousands. Last year, CPA generously funded the Feasibility Study for courts in Northampton. We had great community participation, and the Ellerbrook location was chosen. This past Spring, the City funded the design portion of the project. We are currently working with Berkshire Design, Inc. in the design phase. This project will provide five or six public pickleball courts at Ellerbrook Field Park, the first courts under the jurisdiction of the City Parks & Recreation. Project Location Ellerbrook Field Park – Burts Pit Rd., Northampton, MA Community Preservation Criteria Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents. Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents Recreation and exercise is an important part of everyday life, for social, mental and health reasons. Pickleball courts will contribute in a large way to this, providing a safe space for our community members to play. It will also provide an area for opportunities to offer tournaments and draw others to the community to provide economic benefits also. Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive plan and/or the Northampton Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan 2011-2018 or is consistent with other city-wide planning efforts that Page | 2 have received broad-based scrutiny and input and can demonstrate wide community support The community support for pickleball courts has been overwhelming, and there has been a desire for this in our community for years. Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments, and City residents This application is presented by the Parks & Recreation office and the Parks & Recreation Commission. Leverages additional public and/or private funds, or demonstrates that other funding sources are not readily available or sufficient There is an organized group of local Northampton Pickleball players that are working with Parks & Recreation for fundraising for this project. Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget Berkshire Design is already hired for design, and contracting for bidding and installation of the courts. Serve a significant number of residents There is significant interest and participation in local pickleball leagues and courts, and these courts will be sure to have a great deal of use. Expand the range of recreational opportunities available to Northampton residents of all ages Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Contribute to the positive health status of its citizens These courts will provide a place for exercise and healthy activities for our citizens. Benefit conservation and recreation initiatives It has been a goal of the Parks & Recreation Department over the past few years to plan for and create courts for the enjoyment of our community. Maximize the utility of land already owned by Northampton (e.g. school property) Page | 3 These courts will be built at an existing location, Ellerbrook Park. Accomplish any of the preceding by restoring or rehabilitating existing facilities or lands to serve their intended purpose. This project will be adding amenities to the existing park, the courts, and possible shade and picnic table’s areas to enjoy. Incorporate environmentally friendly design and long-term maintenance. The best design practices will be a part of this process, as well as an area that will need the least amount of maintenance possible. Have the support of the Northampton Parks & Recreation Commission and other groups and partners involved in recreation This application is presented by the Parks & Recreation office and the Parks & Recreation Commission. Community Needs There are currently no city owned pickleball courts in Northampton. This project will provide a recreational desire that our community has been asking for. As mentioned, the sport has grown exponentially over the years, and these courts will provide health and wellness opportunities for all ages and abilities. Preservation/Success Ellerbrook Fields is already an established park in the City with multi purpose playing fields and softball fields. These courts will add to the amenities of the park. The success will be measured by the number of people that will take part in and enjoy the park and courts. Maintenance The maintenance to courts, such as the tennis courts at JFK Middle School, are minimal. The city maintains all parks and playing areas. Page | 4 Project Budget The budget is currently being finalized. We estimate $600,000, depending on the number of courts and amenit ies that can be provided. All funds will be spent on the creation and building of the courts and the amenities (shade structures, seating areas, water, etc). There is a Northampton Pickleball group that is committed to work with us to fundraise for a pa rt of the project. Timeline Once funding is secured, bidding would begin. We hope to be able to go out to bid by the Spring of 2024, and finish the project by the Spring of 2025, if not sooner. Feasibility This project is at a current park site that will not require any new permits.