The meeting began with the reorganization process, where Brendan Hanson was elected as chair, and Christina Ftikas and Sally O’Grady were elected as co-chairs. The approval of the December meeting minutes followed, with members reporting their volunteer hours.

Mayor Eman El-Badawi updated the commission on the open space OSRP update, encouraging members to review the document. Discussions ensued about the budget presentation and a query regarding the promised funds for Heritage Park’s walking trail. The state grant for inclusive playgrounds was also anticipated to be received by spring, with commission members expressing enthusiasm for its potential impact on the community’s recreational facilities.

The most discussions of the meeting revolved around the repurposing of tennis courts for pickleball. The commission considered several options, including resurfacing and repainting existing courts, creating hybrid courts, and installing conversion nets. Adam Knierim recommended a vote on three options: to resurface and repaint the courts as they are, to convert both courts for pickleball, or to replace the nets with a conversion net that allows for only one sport at a time. Concerns about noise and the impact on residents were voiced, with the commission ultimately considering repainting one court for dual use without convertible nets as a temporary solution. The need for resurfacing and the allocation of the budget for the courts were also discussed, and the recommendation to resurface the tennis courts for dual use without convertible nets was approved.

Sally O’Grady provided an overview of the situation, emphasizing the need for further discussion within the pickleball subcommittee. Leo Ferrante raised questions about the original and alternative locations for the courts and their potential impact on the surrounding areas. The commission also contemplated the possibility of painting the tennis court closer to Route 130 with pickleball lines to mitigate noise concerns.

The Shade Tree Commission report addressed the preservation of the burm and the maintenance and pruning plans for Barn Park and Heritage Park. The Parks Preserve updates included feedback on the condition of paths in various preserves. The commission explored potential collaborations with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the involvement of Boy Scouts in park-related projects.

The discussion about the potential project to connect the walking trail to the sidewalk in the park was raised, exploring funding options, including grant money, to cover some of the costs. The commission mentioned a $10,000 budget request for this project. Other topics included the Pavilion roof, the Gazebo light, the kayak project, and the 2024 historic baseball event. Kelly Lavery shared her involvement as the park representative for the 250th anniversary of the historic commission. The commission also revisited the maintenance of the bush and shrub along Brainard Lake and the installation of the Heritage Park water bottle drinking fountain.

During the public comment section, Ken Mayberg proposed creating long-distance bike and walking trails in Cranbury, potentially connecting with Plainsboro’s bike trail. The idea of repurposing tennis courts for pickleball was reiterated, and the commission emphasized the importance of public input on the vacancies within the Parks Commission.