Sept. 3, 2024
Members present: Anthony McGovern, Greg Dion, Kathy Ungerleider, Sheri Litchfield, Julie Haefner, Jen Bilodeau. Absent: Steve Simard
Also present: Terri Ziemnicki, Sandy Yost, Daphne Shinder, Mike Walsh
Public Session
Susan Carolan, 6 Dogwood, talked about pickleball and the annoyance caused by the wooden paddles hitting the plastic ball daily. She shared a sound clip of the sound generated by pickleball being played on the courts located at Salmon Brook Park and recommends pickleball be played at a different location.
Deborah Joyce, 1 Dogwood Court, stated that the tennis court lights are on until 11:30 p.m. There is drinking and she hears screaming of obscenities. She said that the rules need to be enforced.
Michelle Barry, 13 Dogwood Court, stated the close proximity of Salmon Brook Park was the reason they purchased their condo five years ago.
Catherine (last name not known), 45-year resident of Granby, stated that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US.
Kathy Kane, ambassador CT USA Pickleball, stated that USA Pickleball has a committee in place for this issue and offered to be of assistance going forward.
Gary (address and last name not known), asked the board their thoughts on having separate designated pickleball courts.
Steve Marks (address not provided) shared the same sentiments as Gary.
Ann Antkowiak, 102 Petersen Road, stated that she and her family are full consumers of Salmon Brook Park. They are concerned about having the courts moved to the high school and support the idea of designated pickleball courts.
Jim Haggerty, 2 Dogwood Court, stated that this is a national problem and that he thinks the noise from pickleball brings down home values. Also stated that The Gables is not an age restricted complex.
Mike Walsh, Granby Town Manager, asked Granby recreation staff to reach out to public works and have the light timer adjusted on the tennis courts, and told those in attendance to contact him directly with any issues regarding drinking and disturbances.
Craig Allen, 15 Centerwood Drive, stated that he is a nine-year resident of Granby and has participated in the pickleball classes offered through Granby Rec. He asked the board to please not restrict the usages of the tennis courts.
Victoria Hickey, Mort Vining Rd, Southwick, stated her appreciation for being able to play pickleball in Granby. Southwick does not have courts.
Jensen Barry, 13 Dogwood Court, stated his family bought their condo because of its close proximity to Salmon Brook Park and that homes values have actually increased by $100,000 over the five years they have lived there.
Sherry W (last name unknown, an East Granby resident) stated that she doesn’t think the tennis courts are ideal for pickleball as “real” pickleball courts are built differently.
Maggie Percival, 6 Strawberry Fields Road, asked if the tennis nets could be left up longer in the fall.
Sandy Salazar, 132 Canton Road, stated that pickleballers don’t want to take over.
Susan Carolan, 6 Dogwood Court, stated that the courts were built prior to The Gables; however, unless you walked on the courts, you would not know pickleball was played there (in reference to purchasing her condo this year).
Frank Aurin, 4 Dogwood Court, asked what process was taken to put in the courts.
Betty Ann Haggerty, 2 Dogwood Court, stated acoustical studies need to be done regarding the sound and requested, due to negative health effects, the pickleball courts be relocated. She said the courts can move, her house cannot.
Deborah Joyce, 1 Dogwood Court, asked what the timeframe would be if new pickleball courts are built.
Kathy Kane, Ambassador CT USA Pickleball, stated that South Hadley built four courts all with fundraising dollars.
One of attendees mentioned that the cost for a new pickleball court (just the court itself) is $30,000 per court. The Park and Rec Board discussed the public comments and decided that there will be a Special Session held on Sept. 17.
Editor’s note: See Chairman McGovern’s article published in this issue.
Current Park Projects
A local organization would like to have permanent ramps installed at the Band Shell. They will contribute funds towards the construction.
CIRMA did a thorough inspection of the playgrounds at SBP. It was recommended that additional playground-specific mulch be added to the area.