02/05/2026
Hey everyone, as most of you know, January and February are usually my moths off from all projects and activities but I wanted to jump on to provide a quick update. The board and building committee has been regularly meeting and prepping for the upcoming build. We are still at a stand still as far as the contracts and next steps until the weather breaks and we receive instructions from Mark.
Phase 2 of the 3 year project has been submitted to the CPA committee and has been approved for consideration and vote at the next town meeting. As of right now, we are still on track for the 2 courts to be demolished, with the proper drainage, aggregates, new surrounds and new blend on the surface mixed to match the elements at our field. Meaning outdoor, open to the elements etc. ADA safety compliant and new cement padding and aprons to be added in the playing area. for an easy walking surface and wheelchair accessible. A LOT of work and research has gone into this project. From blue prints, design, to materials research and more. The committee visited all courts in the surrounding area, spoke with other people who did a build including Fall River’s Recreation Department that oversaw the court project at Ruggles Park. We learned from them what not to do as their huge build is completely in disrepair and needs to be redone after a short period of time. They attempted to recuit us to run theirs as well. Ummm…no thank you! We also learned what was also beneficial for them as well. We did our research and there are a lot of moving parts with a lot of people involved in getting us to where we need to be to have proper long lasting and self sustainable courts.
This year, similar to last year we are going to ask that players bring themselves a chair. New seating including benches, tables (one wheel chair assessable table) and chairs along with other necessary and improvements are part of the phase 2 funding. If approved, the phase 2 project will be completed before the 2027 season. Everything in that phase is prefabricated items that only need to be assembled versus build from scratch with the exception of the walkway to the shed/clubhouse that is being added for safety on that hill. Again, we are going to ask all players that are Somerset residents and that is the majority of you, to get out and vote at the town meeting when it occurs! We did all the work but we need you to support the project. We will continue to remind you!!!!
We are expecting phase 1 of 3 to be completed no later than mid May. Registration papers, as always, will go out in April with a newsletter to all of our captains. Hopefully by the time they are ready to go out, we will have the updated timeline and know if a delay of season will be necessary. We do not have any further information at this time so please refrain from asking what we cannot tell you currently. This is what I know as of today. I (Kelly) will be away from Feb 16-March 11 and working on other projects for the other organizations I volunteer for. You will start to hear from me again by the end of March, once I have the registration papers ready for mailing. This years registration will be in person at the VFW with a date TBA.
Soon you will see an advertisement going out for a maintenance person. If you know an able bodied individual that would like a small side gig for a little extra money during the summer and fall season, please have them reach out to us. It is a stipened position with installment payments. We are also going to look into people needing community service hours to assist whom ever this person may be. Once I speak to the insurance company to see how that plays out in the coverage, I will advertise that as well if this works out with regards to liability. That will be a volunteer role most likely for students 16 and above. The board would like our new maintenance person to be on deck for training on the new surface blend as it is being laid down and cured. ONLY THE MAINTENANCE PERSON IS TO TOUCH THE SURFACE OF THE COURTS!!! HE/SHE OR THEY are the only insured individuals to put any type of grooming equipment and or materials in those courts.
We are looking forward to an epic season on some brand new courts soon. I hope you are too!!!! Our vision is coming to fruition. We are asking for everyone to be patient as the process begins and not to impede the progress in any way. Once completed we will most likely have an unveiling prior to the season beginning if all goes according to the timeline and plan. We will discuss phase 3 and the moving and redication of the James Healey Memorial Courts and plaque at a later date this season. The rededication will occur at the Hillside location with the original plaque being mounted at the new courts upon the completion of all 3 phases. We have other exciting things planned including a court naming contest and the opportunity to help the leagues expenses by purchasing a memorial plaque for the new benches being installed next season. No more upper and lower court. It’s time they have proper names. And it’s time to recognize players who made an impact on the league by giving them an honor bench if you are willing to contribute by purchasing one once we have the information and pricing. Talk to you all soon!!!!
