New Pickleball Courts Open At Monomoy Regional Middle School

by Brad Joyal

CHATHAM – It was a couple years in the making.

What began as an idea by Chatham Parks and Recreation Chair Meredith Fry in 2022 finally became a reality Monday morning as the town opened six new pickleball courts at Monomoy Regional High School.

Fry did the honors of cutting the ribbon during Monday’s celebration that included appearances by Town Manager Jill Goldsmith, Director of Community Services Leah LaCross, Deputy Director of Community Services for Recreation and Beaches Aimee Howell, parks and recreation commissioners Tanya Khahil and David Eldredge and former parks and rec chair Mike Seidewand.

“I am thrilled to see my vision become a reality,” said Fry. “It’s a dream come true for the entire community and the school. It was a team effort to get this project done — a great accomplishment for the town.”

Fry said the project came to fruition after the Community Preservation Committee granted approximately $300,000 in funding to repurpose two tennis courts into six pickleball courts.

“The community’s support was overwhelming at the May 2023 town meeting, where the project was approved and deputy director of community services for recreation and beaches, Aimee Powell, took action,” Goldsmith said in her speech at Monday’s ceremony. “After a swift bid process, Dirtworks was selected and construction began in September, and today, we stand before these completed courts, ready to serve our vibrant community.”

The new courts will benefit not only Monomoy Middle School students and faculty, but the entire community.

“I am thrilled to see so many faces here, ready to engage in this wonderful sport that truly caters to players of all ages, from 9 to 90,” Goldsmith said.