The Parks and Recreation Department found itself in a pickle, so to speak, when it erected two pickleball courts at Compo Beach last summer without going to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) first.
The pickleball courts were installed at Compo Beach last summer next to the skate park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Pickleball? Originated outside of Seattle in 1965, pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It is one of the nation’s fastest growing sports.
The sport itself was news to P&Z commissioners tonight as they heard Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava and Supervisor Dan DeVito ask for after-the-fact legalization of the courts, which are adjacent to Compo’s skate park.
The 20-foot wide by 44-foot courts went in under the direction of former Parks & Recreation Director Stuart McCarthy.
P&Z Director Larry Bradley said the legitimacy of installation of the courts arose after a complaint from a resident.
He said the courts were in an area long used for recreation and their construction did not reduce parking.
Considering Compo Beach is currently in the initial stages of implementing a beach master plan for enhancement, P&Z Chairman Chip Stephens cautioned Parks and Recreation officials that any such new projects in the residence A zone go before the P&Z first.
“We have to confirm that any new projects will be brought to the P&Z director and the commission first,” said Stephens.
And with that said, the P&Z unanimously voted to legalize the courts.
—James Lomuscio
