Archer Lodge debates cameras, Wi‑Fi and fencing as park adds pickleball courts

Town staff and councilors spent a substantial portion of the June 8 special meeting reviewing park infrastructure and security needs as the town prepares to open new pickleball courts.

Staff said a vendor quote for scanning and portal access pushed some records‑management costs up to $20,000–$25,000, leading the council to prefer lower‑cost file‑cabinet and limited scanning strategies. More directly related to park operations, staff told the council that restroom facility #2 was built to support cashless vending and therefore will require Wi‑Fi; staff recommended extending Wi‑Fi to support vending and some camera functionality.

Council discussed two options for protecting the park’s investment as use increases with the pickleball courts: (1) add a networked camera system and server to monitor the park, or (2) add staffing during peak hours. Staff warned that cameras with high‑resolution zoom and live monitoring carry added cost and potentially recurring monthly charges. One council member said he favored holding off on extending Wi‑Fi all the way to the far courts but supported adding cameras near the pavilion, while others said installing Wi‑Fi now would be a lost opportunity because high use is expected.

On timing, staff estimated the pickleball courts would be ready within three months (September); council members discussed fencing (black chain‑link), netting, and scheduling or time limits to manage peak use and preserve safety. Fencing to control after‑hours access is about 80% complete, staff said, and additional grants will be used where available to cover onetime installation costs.

Next steps: staff will obtain multiple camera and Wi‑Fi vendor bids, clarify which installation costs can be funded by existing grants, and include recommended options in the revised budget package.