WEST NEWBURY — On a perfect day for outdoor pickleball, West Newbury officials cut the ribbon on the town’s two new courts.
Residents gathered at the new courts July 27, located adjacent to Action Cove Playground at Burnham Field.
Town Manager Angus Jennings welcomed people to the courts, which he called “a labor of love for the last couple years.”
Select Board Chair Wendy Reed cut the ribbon along with Doug Mead, one of three Parks and Recreation Commission representatives in attendance. They were joined by Highway Superintendent Richard Hills and about 35 residents.
“There’s been so much enthusiasm for this project. I’m very happy and excited that it all came together,” Mead said.
The project, funded entirely through the Community Preservation Act, came in at a cost of $158,300, which was under the original estimate.
The cost covered the courts, fence and the painting of the town seals. At the most recent Town Meeting, $25,000 was approved for the new stone path, bringing the final cost to approximately $180,000.
Those who attended the ceremony noticed a small granite pillar outside the fence surrounding the pickleball courts. Behind the red sweatshirt covering the top of the pillar, Jennings surprised the group with a plaque, designed and fabricated by resident Marcia Shoemaker and reading, “Reclaimed Granite from the Middle Street Bridge.”
The plaque includes a facsimile of a photo of the Lower Artichoke River Dam, circa 1890 to 1899, and an inscription noting, “Dedicated by the Select Board and Parks and Recreation Commission, 2026.”
A wall running along one side of the courts also uses the reclaimed granite from the Middle Street bridge project.
Jennings expressed gratitude to town voters for approving the project and to Heimlich Landscaping and Construction, the Woburn-based company that oversaw the project.
On the surface of the courts, depictions of the town seal have been hand painted. Great pains were taken prior to and during construction to consider factors such as proximity to parking, distance from nearby homes and noise buffering.
The courts are surrounded by an acoustic fence, designed to minimize noise, and were situated about 450 feet away from the nearest residence. Wetlands adjacent to the courts are protected by the fence, which is 2 feet higher on the wetlands side to protect the area from errant balls and players entering the woods to retrieve them.
The courts, now officially available for use, are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or sunset). Residents may reserve playing time in 30-minute increments, with a maximum reservation time of 90 minutes. Nonresidents may use the courts without reservations, but must cede their time if residents with reservations arrive to play.
To make reservations, there is a QR code on the town website. Glass containers are not permitted on the courts and bikes, skateboards and rollerblades are prohibited. A new stone path, running from the Snack Shack to the new courts, will be constructed within the next few weeks to provide easier access from the parking lot.
A few who attended the ribbon cutting came prepared. With paddles and balls at the ready, they couldn’t wait to give the courts a test run. Judging by their reactions, there should be no shortage of pickleball enthusiasts flocking to West Newbury’s new courts.