Reading moves forward with new pickleball court project: Article 14 heads to Town Meeting
(3-5 minute read)
Reading’s love for pickleball is potentially about to get a big upgrade. With the popularity of the sport soaring across the country - and right time here at home - the Town of Reading is preparing to create a new, purpose-built, pickleball complex at Symonds Way/Range Road. Article 14, which seeks funding approval for the project, will be considered at the upcoming Town Meeting.
Why new pickleball courts - and why now?
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and Reading’s courts reflect that demand. The town currently has four adapted courts at Memorial Park and four sub-par courts near Reading Memorial High School. Utilization at Memorial Park hovers near 100% during available playing time, with long waiting lists often forming. There is a clear need for more courts.
During the Feasibility Study of the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project, architectural firm Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype (BH+A) identified a portion of land near Symonds Way as ideal for a new pickleball complex. Previously, new courts were slated for Birch Meadow’s Phase 2, but concerns over noise levels close to homes prompted a search for a more suitable site.
Enter the Symonds Way/Range Road location: a site near Burbank Ice Arena and Reading Rifle and Revolver Club, away from residential neighborhoods, with supplemental parking already available.
A community-driven project
The Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) has been a driving force behind this project. In fall 2024, the RPPA approached the Town about pursuing the courts separately from the ReCAL project. Their fundraising efforts, coupled with the Town’s commitment, created the momentum needed to move forward.
In December 2024, the Select Board authorized the use of the remaining ARPA funds to explore pickleball court development. The Town again partnered with BH+A and landscape architects Activitas LLC to design a project that meets community needs while staying cost effective.
Through public input and consultation with safety, conservation, engineering, and recreation officials, a detailed and realistic project scope was developed - capped at a project cost of $1.5 million.
Key design features
Post-tension concrete courts: To ensure long-term durability, courts will be built using post-tension concrete, a superior surface with a lifespan of 20-30 years. Unlike asphalt, which often cracks and requires resurfacing within 5-6 years, post-tension concrete offers a smarter investment for Reading’s conditions.
Stormwater management: Because the site is undeveloped, all stormwater runoff must be handled onsite through underground infiltration chambers, adding to costs but ensuring environmental responsibility.
Prioritized features: The base project includes six accessible courts, fencing, and lighting infrastructure. Additional bid alternates could add a seventh court and fully installed lighting poles if budget allows.
Furniture and shade: Initially included, these amenities have been removed from the base cost to prioritize the courts themselves and bring the project within the $1.5 million target.
Funding breakdown
The project funding plan includes:
$225,000 from RPPA fundraising (with some donations contingent on Article 14’s passage)
$200,000 from Burbank Arena Fund
$100,000 from Recreation Capital Projects for FY26
Up to $1 million through borrowing
This collaborative funding model helps reduce the financial impact on taxpayers while delivering a high-quality facility.
Looking ahead
If approved at Town Meeting, Reading will finally have a dedicated pickleball complex that meets the growing needs while being thoughtfully integrated into town planning efforts. Additionally, if the ReCAL project moves forward, the area around Symonds Way will transform into a vibrant hub for indoor and outdoor recreation, benefiting residents of all ages.
Learn more about the project on the Town’s website here.
Stay tuned for updates from Town Meeting - and get ready to play!
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
