Hingham Town Meeting approved the use of $758,640 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) fund to partially pay for the new pickleball complex at Bare Cove Park. The funding, part of Article 21, was the final piece of the financing for the $2.03 million project, which was approved under a separate article the previous night. The CPA funds are designated for open space and recreational use purposes.

The specific funding item was held for discussion, allowing for another round of debate. Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Chair Julie Straley explained that the committee had unanimously recommended the project, which represents about 40% of the total cost. Opponents, including Judy Sneath, questioned using CPA funds for new construction instead of maintaining existing facilities, and worried that the divisive project was not an appropriate use of community funds. Resident Thomas Massima also raised legal questions about whether a facility likely to be used for regional leagues and tournaments was an acceptable use under the CPA.

Supporters countered that the project was a valid recreational use that would benefit the entire community. Lawrence Beman noted that the meeting had just approved $600,000 for the Old Ordinary without a blink, arguing that investing in athletics, health, and community interaction was a worthy use of funds. After the debate, the article was approved by a voice vote.