One of the central discussions was the proposal to expand the number of pickleball courts from four to six. During a recent subcommittee meeting, it was suggested that one of the bids for four courts at Wally Park could be revised to accommodate six courts without requiring additional funds. This expansion aims to enhance community use and accessibility, particularly for seniors. The efficiency of constructing six courts rather than four was emphasized, as it would simplify presentation to the town meeting and potentially streamline funding approvals from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC).

Additionally, there were debates on the optimal locations for the courts, with some community members advocating for two courts to be situated at the town hall, citing accessibility concerns for senior citizens. The commission acknowledged the logistical challenges of transporting seniors to different sites and emphasized the importance of consolidating all six courts in one location to avoid complications. Further, there was a collective agreement on the need to gather more information, reassess funding, and engage with the senior center to ensure their preferences were considered.

The meeting also delved into the topic of Wi-Fi installation at Wally Park. Jason, a commission member, introduced Rob Cuomo from Fast Links, who specializes in wireless communications. Cuomo proposed a solar-powered Wi-Fi solution to circumvent the need for electrical lines at each access point. This technology, unique to his partnership with a New England distributor, could streamline the public bid process due to its proprietary nature. The commission expressed interest in a site visit to assess the park’s coverage needs, and Cuomo was encouraged to propose dates for this visit.

The commission also entertained public comments, notably from Greg of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Greg highlighted recent initiatives, including a “shop local” campaign and the creation of a business directory accessible via the website “shopsouth.net.” The directory features seven businesses and thirty restaurants. Greg also discussed promoting Southwick as a recreational destination. He noted that existing kiosks along the rail trail and boat ramps could be utilized for this purpose. Greg emphasized the importance of collaboration with other commissions to maximize the effectiveness of the signage and integrate it with existing displays, aiming to increase user engagement metrics which currently stand at around 600 unique users and 3,000 page views since May.

In other business, the commission addressed the issue of Pavilion lights at Wally Park being left on overnight multiple times. Maintenance personnel reported that the lights had remained on until the morning on several occasions. To mitigate this, a plan was proposed to lock the electrical panel in the women’s restroom and to install automatic locks for the Pavilion building, with a budget not exceeding $3,500. This motion was generally supported, given the ongoing maintenance and vandalism issues.

There was also a discussion on field reservations, sparked by an incident where a travel team from Westfield State used the softball field without prior reservation, displacing paying teams. The commission reaffirmed the necessity for all teams to adhere to reservation protocols to avoid conflicts and ensure fair usage of the fields.

The commission briefly reviewed a document from the CPC regarding the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Members who had previously contributed to the plan noted no changes needing discussion.

Finally, updates were provided on the rail trail and the dog park. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission sought permission to conduct a usage count on the rail trail in August, and proposals were made to block unauthorized vehicle access. The dog park project is progressing with the establishment of a nonprofit organization and forthcoming site plans, relying on fundraising efforts.