The Peru Gazette

Filling the sinkholes has already begun

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s pickleball enthusiasts may have a place to play in the very near future. No vote was taken, but the Town Board moved in the direction of opening the Jenkins Street tennis courts for pickleball play at its July 11, 2016 meeting. Town Supervisor Peter Glushko stated, “I’ve of the opinion right now, let’s fill up the holes, patch the cracks and pull the weeds and see how many people really use it. Let’s get some realistic idea of how many people will use it.” Counselor Donald McBrayer, who has consistently advocated for pickleball on Jenkins Street, quickly expressed his agreement. Over the next two weeks the cost of pickleball nets, patching the cracks and cutting the vegetation will be determined. At the end of the discussion Supervisor Glushko said he still favors investing in a dual use ice skating – tennis surface at Sullivan Park, but he wants to be fair about the issue.

Peru Town Counselors have been discussing pickleball options for several months. A dual use Sullivan Park location mentioned by Glushko was one option. Repairing the Jenkins Street court surface was discussed; however, resurfacing costs mentioned at previous Board meetings have ranged from $50,000 to the six figures. The actual resurfacing cost has not been determined.

At its June 27^th meeting, the Board asked the town’s contract engineer Peter Gibbs to examine the Jenkins Street courts. At the July 11^th meeting Gibbs commented that Glushko’s proposal sounded reasonable and reported that the court subsurface is made up of sand-rock fill and burnt woody debris. A deteriorating south retaining wall would not impact any future use.