One of the fastest-growing pastimes may soon be expanded to the Town of Essex.
Representatives from the Town held a media conference Wednesday morning at the Essex Centre Sports Complex to announce plans for a potential public-private partnership for a new pickleball complex.
"The potential development of a pickleball complex is an exciting opportunity for our community," said Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy. "This partnership would not only enhance our recreational offerings but also bring economic benefits and foster a vibrant, active community."
The proposed pickleball complex would be part of the Essex Sports Park, a future multi-use outdoor sport and recreation complex planned for the corner of Batten Side Road and North Malden Road. The Town has issued a Request for Interest (RFI) for a private portion of the 70-acre land set aside for the Sports Park.
A preliminary proposal for PickleBarn, a complex that would occupy eight acres of that land, has been submitted to the administration and is under review.
The project is still in the planning stages, with no set timeline for completion.