The money will be used to defray the cost of designing and building new pickleball courts at Symonds Way
READING – Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) President Judy Coltman announced today the organization has completed the transfer of $225,000 to the Town of Reading to offset the cost of new pickleball courts.
The money the RPPA gifted to the town was raised by the RPPA through a large benefactor and donations from hundreds of pickleball supporters from Reading and surrounding towns. RPPA also raised money through fundraisers, including three community days that raised awareness of pickleball activities, resulting in many new players.
The new courts, consisting of seven lighted courts, including an ADA accessible one, will be built next to the Burbank Ice Arena on Symonds Way, just across from the soon-to-be-built Reading Center for Active Living (RECAL).
The courts have been needed for a long time. Pickleball has grown exponentially in Reading, with people of all ages playing regularly. The new courts will help meet the needs of the pickleball community while providing an additional benefit to the town.
The courts will be built using long-lasting post-tension concrete for their playing surfaces – the same technique that was used to build the new basketball courts at Birch Meadow – that will withstand playing without needing repair or maintenance.
Statement of Judy Coltman, President of the RPPA:
“These courts are a testament to the town’s commitment to responding to the evolving interests and needs of town residents of all ages. On behalf of the RPPA and all the pickleball players, I want to thank the Select Board, Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, and other town staff, especially Jenna Wood and Jim Sullivan.”
Statement of Jim Sullivan, Recreation Administrator:
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Reading Pickleball Players Association for their dedication, generosity, and unwavering passion. Their commitment over the past 10+ years to helping bring this project to reality is truly admirable. The Town of Reading is extremely fortunate to have such a passionate and engaged pickleball community, and this generous donation will have a lasting impact for years to come.
I would also like to respectfully acknowledge the late Michael Coltman [former President of RPPA]. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Town of Reading, the Reading Pickleball Players Association, and this project will never be forgotten. The addition of these courts will forever stand as a symbol of his passion, service, and lasting legacy in the Town of Reading.”
Construction, which begins with clearing the land, is expected to start in March with final completion in early September.
For further information:
Judy Coltman (RPPA): ReadingMAPickleball@gmail.com
Jim Sullivan, Reading Recreation Administrator: jsullivan@readingma.gov | 781.942.9075
About the RPPA:
The Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) was founded in 2023 as a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit with a goal of mobilizing a diverse group of individuals and community partners to raise funds for the construction of dedicated, lighted pickleball courts in Reading, while maintaining strong connections with the town and the community and sharing the benefits of pickleball with the community.
Board members of the RPPA include Judy Coltman (President), Peter Lydecker (Treasurer), Joe McHugh (Clerk), Mary Ann Devlin, Eileen Manning, and Robert Rio.
