During the meeting, the committee delved into the organization and content of their presentation, with a keen focus on the accurate portrayal of the community survey results. They proposed to include the number of respondents and demographic information to provide an overview of community preferences. Additionally, the type of Recreation Center mentioned in the survey was deliberated upon, with suggestions to highlight the demographic information and the specific recreational facility referenced.

A key topic that dominated the discussions was the potential uses of the Symonds Way property. The committee paid special attention to the unique suitability of the location for pickleball courts, a rapidly growing sport with a dedicated following in Reading.

The committee also tackled the challenges posed by the property’s constraints. The presence of contaminants on the property was a cause for concern, prompting discussions on the need for further investigation. The exact buildable acreage was clarified to be 2.5 acres, and there was a consensus on the need to visually communicate the property’s constraints, including the limited buildable space, within the presentation slides.

Moreover, there was a debate over the presentation of possible development options, where members discussed the categorization of a senior community center, whether it should be considered a recreational use or an intergenerational center for active living. The consideration of conservation land and green space as a recommended option led to the proposal of adding a new slide that would suggest putting non-buildable areas into permanent conservation.

The size of the parking lot for the pickleball courts and the Reading Pickleball Players Association’s stance on the courts’ temporary nature were also key points of discussion. Confusion regarding the name of the Pickleball Players Association was noted and addressed.

Funding options were another critical subject of the meeting, as the committee explored various avenues, including stakeholder fundraising, grants, and taxpayer funding. The potential inclusion of a dog park, pool, and hockey rink in the plans was debated, with members encouraging the committee to “think big.” The need for a master plan and potential phasing of the property’s development was acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach to the utilization of the Symonds Way property.

Furthermore, the committee discussed negotiating lease terms with Burbank Ice Arena, considering a renegotiation for a 20-year term and the use of the parking lot.