By Lisa Carolin
The Chelsea Area Pickleball Association (CAPA) received approval on its proposed shade structure, near the TimberTown pickleball courts, by the Chelsea Parks and Recreation Commission at its April 7, 2026, meeting.
The primary goal of the structure is to provide a shaded area in proximity to the courts for pickleball players waiting to play. The cost is estimated at $24,000-$25,000 and would be paid by CAPA. Jon Van Hoek, captain of Chelsea’s Vintage Baseball Team, the Monitors, expressed concern at the meeting about safety for baseball players if the proposed structure protrudes into green space that they use as their ball field.
After much discussion about the location and the amount of shade the pavilion will actually provide, the Commission approved the concept, with Commissioner Kevin Butler voting no. City manager Elle Cole will share the approval and details of the donation with the city council.
Also at the meeting, the Parks Commission approved Holmes Family Park policies with changes as discussed at the meeting.
Parks Commission Chair Shawn Personke announced that there will be a ribbon cutting for Holmes Family Park on Friday, August 21, at 10 a.m. On Saturday, August 22, there will be a grand opening celebration at the park that includes music, food trucks, and a variety of activities.
Personke also shared that the Park Volunteer Group, led by Chelsea Area Friends for Recreation’s Sarah Munoz, did a cleanup with the girl scouts at Pierce Park on April 6. More events and work bees are being planned for the other parks.
Updates on the Parks Commission’s 2026-2027 budget include $65,000 to be spent on a Veteran’s Park improvement project providing the Chelsea Community Foundation grant is approved, as well as the cost of a full time parks department employee, which is soon to be posted.
The Parks Commission meets next on May 5 at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers.
