The Harwich Recreation and Youth Commission is considering a new $20 drop-in fee for pickleball players this summer, a move aimed at aligning the town with neighboring rates while protecting local court access. During their Tuesday night meeting, the commission grappled with how to manage the growing popularity of the sport without alienating residents or creating administrative hurdles. Pickleball representative Tom presented the proposal, noting that nearby Brewster has already increased its rates. Surrounding towns are doubling their fees; Brewster is at $20, Tom told the commission. It gives people the opportunity to come and play. The majority of us on the board think a drop-in fee is a great idea because it brings in other players and gives people an opportunity to play.

Recreation Director Eric Beebe clarified that the proposed fee would apply specifically to those joining the structured recreation program for the day, rather than those using the designated public courts. He warned that if Harwich kept its fees significantly lower than Brewster, the town might see an influx of out-of-town players that could displace local participants. However, Commission Chair Leah Flynn expressed firm boundaries regarding the original intent of the facility. I'm not against the drop-in program, Flynn said. But I want to be clear: when the pickleball courts were voted on, it was under the understanding there would always be two courts open for the public. I would never support taking those other two courts away. Those are public-paid-for courts.

The logistics of collecting cash at the courts remained a sticking point for some members. Member Ron voiced support for the fee but cautioned against informal money handling. I support the concept of the $20, but we need better controls in terms of the money issue, he noted, suggesting that having volunteers carry cash back to the office could be problematic. Member Brian asked about the expected volume of players, to which Tom responded that he wouldn't expect more than a dozen drop-ins on a busy day. Ultimately, the commission opted to table the decision until a future meeting when member Phyllis Noble could be present to provide further input. This debate over fees comes as the town continues to face a delicate fiscal balance, with the Finance Committee recently implementing stricter oversight of revolving funds across all departments.

The upcoming summer season will also see a significant shift in logistics for the town’s youth. Due to a series of winter snow days, the last day of school has been pushed to June 26, prompting Beebe to announce a soft opening for town beaches on June 27. Under this plan, Red River Beach will be fully staffed, while other locations like Earle Road, Long Pond, and Pleasant Road will have gate guards but no lifeguards for the first few days to prevent revenue loss while new staff finish orientation. Additionally, the Summer Playground Program is moving its base of operations to Harwich Elementary School to bypass capacity constraints at the Community Center. Beebe reported that the camp is already full, with enrollment jumping from 35 to 60 children. Ron suggested the commission send a formal letter of thanks to the school department, noting that the school department should be commended for the collaboration.

The move to the elementary school raised questions about a $100,000 Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funded shade structure planned for the Veterans Memorial field. Flynn expressed concern that since the summer camp would no longer be stationed at the field, the project might fall out of compliance with the original CPC application. Beebe reassured the board that the application cited 15 different user groups, including youth soccer and flag football. Mr. Nixon, who advocated for the project before the CPC, noted the importance of the technical language used in the proposal. When I advocated for this at CPC, there were questions about concrete pads. I think I sold it as the kids' program being out there, Nixon said, adding that he was comfortable with the continued need for the structure given the variety of other programs that will utilize it.

Addressing infrastructure costs, the commission pivoted on plans for the Sand Pond restroom facility. Faced with skyrocketing construction prices that have seen bids exceed $180,000, Beebe proposed switching from a double-stall design to a single-stall, stick-built restroom. Mr. Nixon admitted that while a single stall might need to be revisited if the pond’s popularity surges, he was comfortable moving forward now. Motion Made by Brian to move forward with an RFP for a single-stall restroom at Sand Pond. Motion Passed (4-0). In other facility news, the commission moved to address recent storm damage. Motion Made by Mr. Nixon to fund the necessary storm repairs for the fences at White House Field and Senior Memorial. Motion Passed (4-0). Beebe noted these repairs, estimated at $5,500, are urgent as baseball and softball seasons approach.

The department’s financial standing remains robust, with the revolving fund currently holding approximately $150,000. Beebe cautioned that this all-time high is temporary, as the funds are largely comprised of summer registrations that will be depleted to pay seasonal staff. This financial cushion is critical as the town navigates the Monomoy Gap, a nearly $1 million budget shortfall triggered by rising school assessments. The commission also welcomed Jen Anderson as the new Program Specialist. Anderson, who previously served as the Assistant Recreation Director in Truro and worked with the Harwich Council on Aging, fills the vacancy left by John Mahan. Beebe praised her experience, noting her background as a director of recreation off-Cape and her familiarity with the local community.

Finally, the commission received an update on the jurisdiction of Long Pond. Following resident concerns about ocean-going boats washing into the pond, Flynn clarified that the matter has been handed over to the Waterways and Conservation commissions. New rules, signage, and fine structures have been implemented in their respective regulations for the coming season. This is not a rule or regulation that Recreation can enforce, Flynn explained. Waterways and Conservation will take over. As the May Town Meeting approaches, the commission is also preparing for a vote on $350,000 in CPC funding for irrigation improvements at the Outback and softball fields, which would become available in July if approved by voters.