Weymouth looks to add more pickleball courts as sport gains popularity
WEYMOUTH — As pickleball gains traction as a popular sport, Weymouth officials are looking for a place in town to build up to eight pitches.
Weymouth Recreation Director Steve Reilly said the city held a meeting with a group of pickleball players to discuss options for building courts in the city.
Reilly said there are two pickleball courts behind the Whipple Senior Center and another as part of the Beals Park project, but players are hoping for a six- or eight-court park combined.
“It’s a social activity and with the format they’re mainly playing doubles and rotating through at short intervals, so they want more places together,” he said. “It’s pretty neat.”
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and is growing in popularity across the country. Courts are popping up as more players flock to the sport and leagues begin in more communities.
Reilly said officials and players were working together to scout locations for the pitches. He said they need about 12,000 square feet, ample parking, and always-on access.
“There are areas here and there on school property, but that’s limiting because they can’t access it during the school day,” he said. “So that’s not a good option for her.”
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Kathleen Kilcoyne, US Pickleball Ambassador for Weymouth, is working to promote the sport and add programs and facilities.
She said residents usually travel to Hull or Braintree to play pickleball because they have more courts.
“If Weymouth add places then later on we will be able to host local and regional tournaments which would be great,” she said.
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Reilly said Mayor Robert Hedlund has agreed to add $150,000 to the city’s capital plan to pay the courts. He said the city could eventually add lights to allow players to play into the early evening, as well as bathrooms.
“If the project is successful, we can add phases,” he said. “We’re going on and it’s a good thing and a credit to the players’ advocacy.”
Last spring, Reilly said the city painted four indoor pickleball courts on Connell Rink’s concrete slab when it closed for the season. He said officials will cut the seats again in May when the rink closes.
“It’s a great option for rainy days,” he said.
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