More pickle-ball courts are coming to Barrington.

During their meeting last week, members of the town’s Park and Recreation Commission approved a plan to paint pickle-ball court lines on the asphalt surface at Chianese Park. 

The plan includes lines for six pickle-ball courts on the asphalt surface — two on the area filled by the tennis court, and four on the roller-hockey rink surface. (No pickle-ball court lines were to be painted on the area currently filled by the basketball court.)

There was no clear indication of how the town would pay for the new pickle-ball court lines or specifically when the work would be done. Barrington Park and Recreation Commission Chairman Mike Seward said the financial aspects of the project would be discussed at next month’s meeting.

The town had requested quotes from two companies that line courts, but neither had responded. Commission member Thomas “TR” Rimoshytus recommended the town reach out to a third company, Hinding Tennis Courts, which is based in Connecticut. Barrington Recreation Department Director Michele Geremia said the town spent about $2,400 to have lines for four pickle-ball courts painted on the tennis courts at Kent Street a few years ago.

Pickle-ball play has increased in popularity recently, and people can be seen playing the sport at the Kent Street tennis court and middle school tennis courts. 

Barrington resident Greg Knight said he plays pickle-ball and offered members of the Commission different layout scenarios for the new pickle-ball court lines at Chianese. He also said barriers between the courts are helpful to keep the ball from one game rolling into the court where another game is taking place. He referenced the positioning of the courts to minimize sun glare interference.

Officials said one of the appeals about painting the pickle-ball court lines at Chianese is that the asphalt surface there does not get as much use as some other playing surfaces in town.

Mr. Knight said the pickle-ball enthusiasts are hoping to find a long-term home in Barrington.

Mr. Seward said he wanted to see how it worked out having the pickle-ball courts added at Chianese — if other groups do not complain and neighbors are agreeable, then it could become a more permanent solution, he added.

Commission member Catherine Horn said she wanted to make sure the courts could still be used for other sports, in addition to pickle-ball. The barrier between pickle-ball courts would need to be temporary, officials added.

Eventually, Mr. Rimoshytus made a motion to paint the pickle-ball court lines on the tennis courts and roller hockey rink at Chianese. Commission member Anthony Arico seconded the motion, and Mr. Seward asked members if they all supported the change. There appeared to be consensus among Commission members supporting the pickle-ball courts. 

After the motion passed, Mr. Knight again said that pickle-ball enthusiasts are looking for a permanent space in town, although it was not clear whether he wanted those courts to be dedicated only to pickle-ball. 

Mr. Rimoshytus said it was important for the pickle-ball players to share the facilities with other people, whether they be wanting to play tennis or roller-hockey or something else. 

There has to be cooperation, Mr. Rimoshytus said, later asking how many of the pickle-ball supporters attending the Zoom meeting were also Barrington residents. Many of them raised their hands.