In August 2026, a group of volunteers met to discuss plans for Ritchie Hall’s new outdoor space. This group included current board members, New Hall Revitilization Committee members, and a couple of kiddos - all long-time volunteers with the league and super passionate about this project!
PURPOSE
11 current volunteers joined in the recent “walkabut” and exterior amenity discussion meeting.
The purpose of this meeting was two-fold:
1) Learn about the current configuration for the exterior space of the new hall project
2) Discuss priorities and possibilities for what to include in that space
WHAT HAPPENED
The group first met inside the hall to review the purpose and goals of the meeting, and deep dive into the current plans for the new hall exterior space.
Using worksheets with prompts, and a layout of the exterior space, we answered the questions:
What are the “principles” the new space will abide by? Ex. flexibility, accessibility, etc.
Who do we envision using this space? Renters, community members, residents, visitors, special guests, other non-profit organizations, artists and musicians, etc.
What types of amenities or activities do people use the outdoor spaces for right now?
Once we’d done the paperwork, we all headed outside to walk the site. Rick has painted the outline of the new hall on the ashphalt in the outdoor area, including rough locations of doors and windows. This was super helpful when it came to envisioning the space and how each element would fit into it.
Some useful concepts to guide the discussion.
PRIORITIES
We were able to narrow down a list of general priorities that will be included in proposals for funding, with the option to get even more specific once we start doing the work and developing our exterior amenities. The group included the following ideas in the list of priorities:
pickleball and tennis courts
seating options
skating rink with court space inside for all season use
basketball court
friendly fencing
easier access to the space
lighting and accessibility
trees and including nature in the plans
skateboard park structures
NEXT STEPS
We will be using this list of priorities to guide fundraising initiatives, grant proposals, and community engagement. Watch the website and our newsletter for more information as the project continues to develop.
QUESTIONS?
If you have specific questions about the New Hall Revitlization Project, please contact our New Hall Director (Rick W) at new-hall@ritchie-league.com
Current view from the main entrance to the rink/courts space.