The select board had recently reviewed potential locations and recommended Simon’s Way, but further steps were needed before finalizing any decisions. A building committee had been established to advance the project, yet a clear timeline remained elusive. Concerns were raised about the deteriorating conditions of existing courts and the growing popularity of the sport, which affects community members aged 60 and over. One individual emphasized the urgency, noting that the Memorial Park courts were crowded, and it would be a “real tragedy” if the pickleball courts were not included in the fiscal year 2025 capital plan.

The committee discussed collaborating with the Reading Pickleball Players Association to find a suitable location, aligning with the current conceptual design on the recal plan. However, the exact placement of the associated building remained uncertain. The committee awaited direction from the select board on whether to proceed with the initiative now or defer it. Timing emerged as a critical concern, particularly if the permanent building committee’s decisions did not align with the capital planning budget for the upcoming summer, potentially causing significant delays.

Public commentary further emphasized the importance of attending financial forums to advocate for the pickleball project’s inclusion in the capital plan. Participants were encouraged to engage with the budget committee to express their support and ensure the initiative remains a priority. Active participation in these forums was seen as a strategic move to secure necessary funding.

Attention then turned to the allocation of funds from the Burbank Ice Arena. Angela Benda from Orchard Park Drive voiced concerns about directing these funds specifically to the Recreation Committee, citing the 2011 annual town meeting report that outlined the intended use of net income from rink operations as a rental payment to the town. She argued that allowing the Recreation Committee to decide on the $100,000 would undermine the capital planning process and potentially impact funding for other essential projects, such as drinkable water for schools. The committee responded by stating that the matter had been brought to the select board for consideration, though no definitive actions had been taken.

In addition to pickleball and funding issues, the committee discussed the approval of temporary portable lights for the Birch Meadow multi-purpose area, requested by Reading Youth Football. The need arose due to a record number of participants—170 kids—practicing during early evening hours. The proposed lighting would primarily be used on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with potential benefits for other sports teams. Concerns regarding the coordination of turning the lights on and off were addressed, with assurances of implementing a responsible system to prevent issues such as leaving the lights on overnight. The motion to approve the use of temporary lights passed unanimously.

The meeting also featured updates on adaptive programming for children with disabilities, particularly a sports training initiative for high school students. This program attracted 12 participants over a 12-week period, with four graduating. Organizers expressed a desire to refill the available spots for the upcoming year. However, the program was exclusive to students attending Reading Public Schools (RPS), sparking a dialogue about the potential exclusion of disabled children living in Reading but not enrolled in RPS.

Similarly, the “Swim Buddies” program, which expanded to 17 sessions for the current year, faced challenges with high school volunteers, leading to a shift from a one-on-one volunteer model to a smaller instructor-to-student ratio. This change allowed for increased participation without compromising the quality of instruction. A lottery system for participant selection was discussed, with reports indicating effective filling of available spots.

Concerns over inclusivity were echoed in the discussions about social programs funded by grants. Logistical challenges hindered the execution of frequent social outings, though recent excursions, such as a trip to a Celtics game, were well-received. The committee acknowledged the limitations in outreach efforts and discussed potential alternative methods to reach a broader audience without excluding those outside the RPS system.

Finally, the committee addressed ongoing maintenance projects, including the renovation of tennis courts and playgrounds. Bids for the tennis courts were received, with the intent to begin work in mid-October. Playground maintenance involved the distribution of wood chips, with collaborative efforts from the Department of Public Works (DPW) leading to significant savings. Plans were also proposed to gradually replace rubber mulch with wood mulch in playgrounds over the next couple of years due to concerns about the former breaking down and causing messes.