The proposal to construct new pickleball courts in Amherst was a focal point of the meeting, drawing attention due to the sport’s growing popularity and the project’s potential impact on nearby residents. A representative from the recreation team presented plans for the courts, which are proposed to be located at Grath Park. The budget for the project was noted at $650,000.

A crucial aspect of the pickleball project is a sound study, estimated to cost between $10,000 and $15,000, designed to address noise concerns from the courts. The importance of this study was emphasized, with assurances that the findings would guide any necessary sound attenuation measures, such as fencing or vegetation. The proximity of the proposed location to residential areas, roughly 500 feet from the nearest property line, was a significant consideration in the planning process.

Participants raised questions about the timing of the sound study and whether it could be delayed to allocate budget resources more efficiently. However, it was clarified that the study was already contracted, making postponement unfeasible.

The council also explored the possibility of using a matching park grant for the pickleball project and discussed the recent resurfacing of courts at Mil River, highlighting ongoing recreational improvements funded by the Community Preservation Act (CPA).

The meeting then shifted to discussions on the War Memorial Pool’s bathhouse renovation, a project marked by financial challenges and infrastructure concerns. Participants expressed skepticism about the project’s projected cost of approximately $2.8 million, questioning whether such an expense was justified for a bathhouse. The conversation acknowledged the need to secure complete or near-complete funding before initiating the project, as reliance solely on current funds was deemed insufficient.

Further dialogue revealed a historical context where an earlier proposal for a $4 million project was scaled back due to community feedback and fiscal constraints. The current redesign proposes constructing a new building on the east side of the pool, replacing the old basketball court. The council discussed whether to bond this project alongside other capital improvements, with inquiries about the feasibility and implications of such an approach.

Concerns were raised about the decision to pursue new construction instead of renovating the existing bathhouse. It was explained that renovation costs, largely due to foundational and compliance issues, would nearly match those of new construction, thus favoring the latter for long-term sustainability.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of CPA fund allocation and the necessity for clear project eligibility guidelines. Discussions reflected on the importance of community feedback in prioritizing projects amid limited funding, with members acknowledging the critical role of public sentiment in decision-making.