The Town of Halifax officially cut the ribbon today on its highly anticipated public pickleball courts, celebrating an innovative public-private partnership with Thorndike Development that delivers extensive recreational and economic benefits to the entire community.
The state-of-the-art facility is located off Monponsett Street adjacent to the new Featherwinds age-restricted residential condominium community. Under the terms of the town's master development agreement, Thorndike donated the land and fully constructed the courts, handing a premier recreational asset over to the town at no cost to local taxpayers.
The formal grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony brought together municipal leadership and development executives. In attendance from the Town of Halifax were Select Board Clerk Jonathan Selig and Town Administrator Steve Solbo. Representing Thorndike were Dave Eastridge, Michael Devin, and Erik Groezinger.
"This is a great day for the Town of Halifax and a fantastic example of what can happen when local government and private developers collaborate effectively. We're thrilled to add this beautiful facility to our town at no added cost to the taxpayer. And the benefits of this partnership go far beyond pickleball. The ongoing revenue generated from home closings is helping to fund the town's new proposed Senior Center, a project Halifax has waited generations to see become a reality. Not to mention, the new homes mean new tax revenue at a time when every dollar counts for communities all across the state. It's been a win-win for the residents of Halifax," said Jonathan Selig, Halifax Select Board.
The structural framework of the partnership creates an ongoing financial engine for the municipal treasury. Beyond gifting the completed courts, Thorndike provides a dedicated mitigation payment to the Town of Halifax upon the closing of every individual home sale at Featherwinds. These incoming funds directly offset the town's municipal costs to design and construct its upcoming Senior Center.
"We are incredibly proud to partner with the Town of Halifax to open these beautiful new courts today," said Dave Eastridge, Partner, Thorndike Development. "This project showcases how public-private partnerships can creatively solve local infrastructure and recreational needs. The development of Featherwinds facilitates the creation of amenities for this rapidly growing community and all of Halifax. Pickleball is an accessible sport that is currently unmatched at bringing people together. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space."
The public courts are fully complete and officially open for public play from dawn to dusk effective immediately. Prospective homebuyers interested in the active adult community can tour the site and view available homes by visiting the Featherwinds sales center or online at https://thorndikedevelopment.com/community/featherwinds.
The regulation courts give players of all ages and skill levels a free, accessible place to enjoy one of the country's fastest-growing sports close to home. Town officials expect the facility to become a popular gathering spot for Halifax residents and visitors from surrounding communities throughout the season, strengthening the area's growing slate of public recreation options.
About Thorndike Development Corporation: Thorndike Development Corporation is a premier, full-service real estate development and construction firm specializing in award-winning residential communities throughout New England. With a focus on smart growth, active-adult housing, and master-planned neighborhoods, Thorndike blends high-quality craftsmanship with thoughtful public-private partnerships. In addition to Featherwinds in Halifax, the firm is currently building Alden's Reach in Plymouth and Larkwood in Raynham. Since its founding in 1983, Thorndike has delivered over 3,500 homes and earned more than 50 national and regional awards, building vibrant spaces that seamlessly blend private residential luxury with meaningful community benefit.
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For more information about Thorndike Development, contact the company here:
Thorndike Development
Ben Geisinger
508-318-6901
ben.geisinger@thorndikedevelopment.com
8 Pleasant St, Suite A2,
Natick, MA 01760
