“The exciting times continue for Saugus!” Town officials optimistic as work crews break ground on Anna Parker Playground Improvement Project

  (Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Mike Gaffney, Media Website Content Manager for the Town of Saugus.)

Work is already underway on a project that will bring enhanced recreational facilities to Anna Parker Playground – including six pickleball courts and a street hockey rink. This week an excavator ripped up asphalt from the existing hard courts to clear space for the pickleball courts and street hockey surface. The pickleball/street hockey facilities will be constructed on the footprint of the demolished hard courts.

The street hockey rink will measure 120 feet long by 60 feet wide and feature a slick dasher board system. The design calls for dedicated player benches and the construction of bleachers with a canopy cover that will allow for comfortable viewing in the shade and unobstructed sightlines to games. Pickleball courts will be regulation size and include separator fences in order to limit ball interference between courts.

The project will feature additional improvements at Anna Parker Playground, such as:

• Installation of LED lights to evenly illuminate the pickleball courts and street hockey rink without impacting the surrounding community
• Creation of a bigger picnic area that features tables and benches for the community to enjoy
• Planting of shade trees

The Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Scott Crabtree gathered for a brief groundbreaking ceremony on July 30 to celebrate the exciting start of the improvements planned at Anna Parker Playground.

“I am delighted that Saugus continues with our commitment to upgrade parks and playgrounds,” said Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta. “Anna Parker has needed upgrades for some time, so adding street hockey and pickleball will ensure enhanced use of this park. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in our country, so it is exciting that Saugus residents will have these courts in town. We will also be building an improved picnic area with tables, benches, and shade trees. This will be a tremendous facility for all ages. Thank you to our Town Manager and everyone involved with this project.”

“The exciting times continue for Saugus!” said Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeff Cicolini. “In a time where many communities are scaling back and proposing budget cuts, Saugus is still able to continue investing in our infrastructure and making improvements to our open spaces and recreational areas. This is possible because of our administration’s commitment to sound financial policies and conservative budgeting and forecasting. These improvements to Anna Parker are much needed and the calls for pickleball and street hockey have been heard loud and clear. These investments continue to enhance the quality of life in our community to all residents young and senior.”

“This is another great example of the town investing in improvements to our parks and playgrounds that will benefit the people of Saugus,” said Selectman Michael Serino.

“Pickleball is the hottest game out there today, so hats off to the Town Manager for getting this started here in Saugus,” said Selectman Anthony Cogliano. “The street hockey court is also another major step in the right direction. Our hockey program was once the pride of Saugus, perhaps this addition, along with the energy of new Saugus High School Athletic Director Matt Serino, will spur interest once again in this great sport.”

“I’m excited to see the project beginning at Anna Parker,” said Selectman Corinne Riley. “It will be a great asset to all residents to be able to use the pickleball courts, as well as the street hockey area or just to visit the park to watch or enjoy the open space. I hope to see many people use this newly constructed area which will definitely bring the community together. Thank you to the Town Manager and everyone involved who will be working on this project, which I’m sure will be a welcomed addition to Saugus by people of all ages.”