Ross changes location of basketball court again

The basketball court at Bruno Sammartino Park in Ross has been moved back to where the master site plan originally had it.

Ross commissioners this week approved an amended contract with McElroy Paving for paving the basketball court near the park entrance. A parks consultant chose the location, but it was moved to the back of the park after nearby residents complained.

However, the second location proved to be problematic as it would involve removing several mature black walnut trees that are stabilizing a hillside.

“When we walked the project, we were shocked by how many trees would be cut down. The current location just makes sense,” said Commissioner Jason Pirring.

The township police also endorsed having the basketball court at the entrance, saying it would be easier to monitor behavior.

Resident Joe Bartlett said having a basketball court with a high fence across from his house would hurt the value of his property.

“For 20 years, we looked at a baseball field and enjoyed it. For another 20 years, we looked at a children’s playground and enjoyed it,” he said. “There were supposed to be tennis courts there. Give me back my tennis courts. I can sell my house with tennis courts there. A tennis court would look good in front of my house.”

Mr. Bartlett was involved in the original design of the park, then called Sangree Park. Commissioners voted recently to change the name to honor the late Mr. Sammartino, a Ross resident and star wrestler.

A previous plan for the park included a splash pad, but that was also changed after neighboring residents complained.

Eloise Peet, director of parks and recreation, said the public input phase of the park study was “rigorous. It took us 15 months,” and that eliminating the basketball court would “violate what I feel is the public trust. When people say they want a basketball court … that is what we should do.”

Building the basketball court will cost $238,000.