The Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee discussed its project wish list Feb. 2, which includes a gaga ball arena, pickleball courts and water bottle refill stations, in light of locating a potential funding source.
The committee relies largely on grants to complete projects, so committee members were thankful to learn the Wrightsville Beach Foundation expressed interest in donating money. Foundation members will vote this week via email on which projects to fund so director of planning and parks Katie Ryan can present the final list to the board of aldermen during its Feb. 12 meeting.
The pickleball courts would be incorporated into the existing tennis courts at the park, with the funds going toward lining the courts and purchasing portable nets.
Gaga ball, a form of dodgeball played in an octagonal arena, would require the installation of a permanent structure 20 to 25 feet across and 30 inches tall. Ryan suggested the arena be set up in the grassy area between the tennis courts and the picnic shelters.
The committee also discussed the installation of water bottle refill stations at several locations around town. The idea first emerged as a sustainable way to provide water to farmers’ market customers. Wilmington resident Scott Johnson presented his research on the feasibility and benefits of installing the filtrated water refill stations throughout Wrightsville Beach. Johnson said the project would involve installing four to six stations in high-traffic areas such as the basketball courts in the park or certain beach accesses.
The stations are approximately seven feet tall, he said, and the drinking water they dispense is 57 degrees. He suggested local businesses could sponsor the project and earn the right to place their logo on the exterior.
While no coastal communities in this region have implemented the refill stations, Johnson said they are very common in Australia. Committee members were concerned, though, about committing to this type of project rather than a popular item with proven success in a similar community.
“A new trend has to start somewhere,” Johnson pointed out.
Another advantage to the stations, he added, was the water would be filtered. That would be especially appealing to Wrightsville Beach residents, he said, following the town’s recent drinking water violation.
Furthermore, installing the refill stations would further emphasize the town’s image of being environmentally friendly, he said.
“I think it sends the message of sustainability, that we don’t want plastic bottles floating around the beach. … We care about our environment.”
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