Harwich residents will see an increase in summer pickleball fees following a divided vote by the Recreation and Youth Commission on Tuesday evening. The commission set the new seasonal rate at $65 for residents and $80 for non-residents, opting for a higher revenue model to offset the maintenance costs associated with the growing sport at Brooks Park. The decision followed a failed attempt by Commissioner Frank to keep rates lower for those outside of Harwich, arguing that a significant jump would drive players away from the town’s programs.

Frank voiced concerns that the proposed non-resident fee was too aggressive, stating, I'd like to make a motion to charge residents $50 and non-residents $60. $100 for non-residents is a slap in the face and the highest on the Cape. We will lose players and revenue. While his specific motion failed, the commission eventually settled on the $80 non-resident compromise. Support for the increase was bolstered by the ongoing infrastructure needs of the pickleball courts. Commissioner Leah noted the financial demands of the sport, explaining, I'm for the increase. Pickleball asks for a lot compared to other programs—maintenance, paving, netting. $65 is a good price. Commissioner David Nixon supported the higher bracket, putting the cost into perspective for daily users. Nixon remarked, A hundred bucks for entertainment for a season—it's 36 cents a day. I don't think it's outrageous.

Motion Made by F. [Unknown] to set fees at $50 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Motion Failed (1-5). Motion Made by D. Nixon to set fees at $65 for residents and $80 for non-residents. Motion Passed (5-1).

The commission also spent considerable time debating the town's five-year capital plan, specifically categorizing future projects as either "wants" or "needs." A proposed splash pad was designated as a "want," with members agreeing it was not essential for immediate operations, despite its popularity. A similar designation was given to the Potter Field dugouts. While the structures are not currently crumbling, Commissioner Van highlighted a significant safety concern from the previous season, noting that while they aren't falling down, they lack ventilation, which led to two players being hospitalized for heat exhaustion last year. The status of a new futsal court resulted in a tie, as Commissioner Brian and Commissioner Frank argued it should be considered a "need" since the town has already purchased the equipment. Brian also raised questions about the long-term fiscal strategy for Senior Memorial Field, asking, On the Senior Memorial Field, would the cost evaluation of turf versus new irrigation over 20 years be worth asking? If it was $500k to put in turf but it saves maintenance and mowing time.

Safety at the ball fields remained a priority as the commission reviewed a request from Senior Softball for 15 feet of safety netting at Senior Memorial Field to protect spectators at the adjacent Potter Field. Recreation Director Eric Beebe reported a $3,200 quote for the netting but questioned the funding source. Frank suggested the league take on the burden, noting, I think Senior Softball should pay for it. We never had this problem until they expanded to younger people hitting 400-foot home runs. Commissioner Nixon suggested a 50/50 split between the town’s revolving fund and the league, which currently maintains a balance of approximately $132,000. Chair John Chymist directed Beebe to negotiate the split with the league, noting that if they refuse, the matter will return to the commission in May.

The Cape Cod Community Rowing club provided an annual update, introducing Susan Sage as the new liaison for the 501c3 organization. Charlene Zones, representing the club, highlighted their recent fundraising success, telling the board, We raised money for a safety launch which will enable us to get more people to safety if a shell capsizes. When asked about future expansions, Sage expressed a long-term desire for a permanent facility. If I had one wish and I won the lottery today, I would say a boat house would be my only real wish, Sage said. We don't have a place to enclose the boats so we don't have to take them on and off the beach. The discussion briefly turned to water safety and conflicts with motorized boats, but Chair Chymist clarified the commission's limits. Let's make it perfectly clear: the Recreation Commission has nothing to do with the water, Chymist said. We are beach only. Any concerns on the water need to go to the Harbormaster.

In administrative news, the commission saw a change in leadership representation as Commissioner Van announced his departure from the Facilities Committee after six years. My term is up and I've informed Carolyn I would not seek reelection. It's time for somebody else to pick up the gauntlet, Van told his colleagues. Motion Made by Van [Unknown] to nominate Leah [Unknown] as the Recreation and Youth representative to the Facilities Committee. Motion Passed (6-0).

Director Beebe’s report included a significant change for beachgoers, noting that the Treasurer’s department has transitioned beach sticker sales to an online-only system. There will be no in-person pickups at Town Hall this year, though residents may continue to use their 2024 stickers until July 1. Additionally, the commission approved the placement of a memorial plaque for former beach supervisor Carrie Brophy on the Earl Road lifeguard stand and reviewed new safety equipment, including elevated lifeguard-style chairs and umbrellas for Earl Road, Pleasant Bay, and Long Pond beaches.