READING – At the first night of Reading’s Annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 27, members voted to accept a $100,000 state PARC (Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities) grant to support the construction of previously approved pickleball courts. The motion passed with a two-thirds majority, 112 in favor and 31 opposed.
Town Manager Jayne Wellman introduced the article, explaining that the grant application was submitted only after Town Meeting had already approved the pickleball project last year. She described the award as “great news,” but noted that the state requires several conditions to be met before the funding can be finalized.
Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol outlined those conditions. The most significant requirement is that the parcel of land where the courts will be located must be permanently dedicated to outdoor recreation use. In addition, the site must include dedicated parking within the parcel itself, even though shared parking agreements already exist nearby.
MacNichol said the town created a new lot line within the project area to meet the parking requirement while still allowing shared use with nearby facilities, including the Burbank Ice Arena. He added that the changes do not alter the overall design or significantly increase project costs.
Finance Committee member Mark Zarrow reported that the committee unanimously recommended approval of the article, while Select Board member Karen Herrick said the board also supported it after multiple discussions.
Some Town Meeting members raised concerns about the grant’s restrictions. Questions focused on whether the town would lose flexibility in managing the facility, particularly around parking, fees, and access.
MacNichol explained that the state will review any future changes to the site and that user fees must follow certain rules. For example, non-residents can be charged more than residents, but the difference cannot exceed 50 percent.
Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member Angela Binda voiced concern about limits on giving preference to Reading residents. She questioned whether the town would be able to prioritize local users if demand for the courts is high.
Wellman responded that if the town accepts state funding, the courts must remain open to the general public. While fees can differ, access cannot be restricted based on residency. She acknowledged that this could limit the town’s ability to manage reservations in favor of residents.
Later clarification from Town Counsel indicated that any system limiting access or giving preference would require state approval and may not be allowed under grant regulations.
Despite these concerns, town officials emphasized the financial benefit. The overall pickleball project is already expected to come in under its original $1.5 million appropriation, with additional funding support from local sources. Wellman noted that while the project could proceed without the grant, staff believed it was worthwhile to bring the opportunity for the funding to Town Meeting.
The grant is tied to the upcoming fiscal year and will be distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning the town must first cover costs before receiving state funds.
Town meeting will reconvene on Thursday evening to take up additional articles including the budget.