Parks & Recreation

July 2023 Pickleball Update

We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the pickleball courts on Summer Street, thanks to funding from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The courts opened on July 15, 2022 and in that time thousands of people have enjoyed using them. In one year, we have made small changes to how the courts operate and are committed to make further changes if necessary.

In response to some complaints from neighbors about noise, the Parks and Recreation Committee requested additional monies from the CPC to purchase something to lessen the sound. In return, the CPC approved $20,000 to help fund a solution. 

A study on noise was conducted by Pickleball Sound Mitigation and the results will be discussed at the next Parks and Recreation meeting on July 12 at 5:30 PM. The plan is to move forward with one of the recommendations in the study. The goal is to reach a compromise with neighbors that will reduce the sound to an acceptable level. Several ideas suggested include, closing the courts, putting a bubble over the courts, soundproofing material attached to the fence, quieter paddles and balls or a combination of these things. 

If you would like a copy of the study, please send an email to Cheryl Marshall, Parks and Recreation Director, at marshallc@manchester.ma.us.  All Parks and Recreation Committee meetings are open to the public.

Not sure how to play pickleball or who to play with? Join the MBTS Community Open Play on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM!  Come on down and learn some basics and play with other beginners.