The “Truck Stop” Gets Overhauled

November 17, 2013
Billerica, MA

Two courts and a surprisingly large warming hut stand hidden behind an industrial park in Billerica, Massachusetts. Bill Durfee and Bruce “The Decorator” Peirce and a few other members of the Gilfoy Paddle Club do much of the upkeep but were in need of additional funds to do major repairs. Durfee applied for a grant from the APTA and was able to fix some bum lights, weld under the court surface to even out some wicked bad bounce boards, install new skirting and new snowboards where necessary, paint the decks, and install a new sliding front door on the man cave-like hut.

In what may be a new record, Reilly/Green Mountain used 72 bolts on one court alone to fix the loose boards. Durfee said, “There have been way more than 72 bad bounces, so it all works out.”

Because the club hosts Boston men’s league and a few women’s league matches, it was imperative that the courts were updated to standards equal to that of other area clubs. Thanks to the APTA for a much-needed shot in the arm.