Groundbreaking held for ReCAL and pickleball courts at Symonds Way
(4-5 minute read)
Residents, town staff, elected officials, and project partners gathered on the morning of Thursday, April 16, 2026, to mark a major milestone for the community: the groundbreaking of the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) and new pickleball courts on Symonds Way.
A decade in the making
Opening the ceremony, Town Manager Jayne Wellman reflected on the long journey that led to this moment.
“This has been 10 years in the making,” Wellman said, thanking the many individuals and groups who contributed to the project, including current and former elected officials, town staff, volunteers, architects, and project managers.
She highlighted how the project evolved from a modest land acquisition into a major community investment.
“What you see here today began as a modest land acquisition years ago. And through your time, your effort, and your generous support, that small beginning has grown into something truly meaningful.”
Town Manager Jayne Wellman delivers opening remarks, reflecting on the decade-long effort to bring the ReCAL project to this milestone. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Wellman emphasized that ReCAL is intended to be more than a building, describing it as a space that will bring generations together and support not only physical health, but also social and emotional well-being. She noted that the project has now entered the construction phase, led by J&J Construction.
State delegation highlights community investment
Members of Reading’s state delegation spoke to the broader significance of the project and its role in meeting the needs of a growing and diverse community.
State Representative Brad Jones pointed to ReCAL as part of a larger effort to support residents across all stages of life, alongside projects like the Killam School. He also reflected on the Town’s long-term investment in Community spaces, noting parallels to earlier developments in his career, such as the Pleasant Street Center.
State Representative Rich Haggerty emphasized the planning and commitment required to bring a project of this scale to fruition. He highlighted the importance of supporting seniors while also creating shared spaces for the broader community, noting that the addition of pickleball courts alongside the facility strengthens that goal.
Haggerty also shared that the Reading delegation secured funding for an additional community van, which will help improve access to the new center for residents of all ages.
Local leaders reflect on community impact
Select Board Chair Melissa Murphy thanked those involved in the project, acknowledging years of work required to bring it to this point.
Local Reading officials take part in the groundbreaking ceremony. Pictured (left to right): Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Rep. Brad Jones, Rep. Rich Haggerty, Select Board members Chris Haley, Karen Rose-Gillis, Melissa Murphy, former member Mark Dockser, and newly elected Sal Bramante. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Council on Aging Chair Karen Janowski offered a personal perspective, sharing how pickleball brought her a sense of connection and joy after the loss of her husband in 2022. Her remarks underscored the role recreational spaces can play in supporting residents through difficult times.
Recreation Committee Chair Richard Hand recognized the efforts of recreation staff and expressed enthusiasm for the facility’s future, while Judy Coltman, President of the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA), highlighted the community behind the sport’s growth in Reading.
Coltman credited local advocate Peter Sullivan with introducing pickleball to the town over a decade ago and shared a personal story about her late husband, Mike, who was known for welcoming new players into the game.
Recognizing the team behind the project
Director of Community Services Jenna Wood closed the speaker portion by thanking Town Manager Wellman and the many volunteers, board members, and staff who helped bring the project forward.
“Your hard work behind the scenes has been vital to advancing our work. Your professionalism, persistence, and passion for serving the community do not go unnoticed.”
Also recognized were key project partners, including Activitas, Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype (BH+A), Turner & Townsend Heery, Quirk Construction Corp., and J&J Construction, as well as contributions from the RPPA and town staff.
Looking ahead
As construction begins, the ReCAL facility and pickleball courts are expected to create new opportunities for recreation, connection, and community engagement.
More information on the projects can be found on the Town’s website:
Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL)
The groundbreaking marks the start of the next phase in a project that has been years in the making, one that aims to serve residents today and for generations to come.
