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RDN asking about Cedar residents' appetite for pickleball courts

Consultation recommended around recreation amenities near Cedar Skate Park
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The Regional District of Nanaimo is looking into pickleball courts and other amenities close to the Cedar Skate Park.

Cedar residents are being asked their views on improvements at the Cedar Secondary School grounds, including the potential for pickleball courts.

Regional District of Nanaimo staff has been directed to examine where to locate a playground and it was decided that a field in the vicinity of the school site and the Cedar Skate Park would be suitable. The RDN has also heard requests for pickleball courts and a bike pump track.

Lanarc Consultants was enlisted to draw up a concept plan and according to its report, $30,000 in upgrades would be needed for the tennis courts, with pickleball courts being integrated onto the current playing surface, allowing both sports to be played there. 

Further, an RDN staff report estimates line painting and resurfacing the tennis courts will carry a $20,000 price tag, plus extra for permanent tennis netting and pickleball nets and storage. There is $350,000 in B.C. Growing Communities fund money available for the playground, staff said, and currently the pump track is "unfunded."

RDN staff told the News Bulletin the existing tennis court dimensions will be reviewed and the aim is to have four pickleball courts.

At an RDN Electoral Area A parks commission meeting last fall, Stephanie Nash, a pickleball instructor, made a presentation, stating a court would allow for people to come together to play, regardless of skill level. Courts in Nanaimo are crowded and while there is a pickleball community in Cedar, they don't have a place to congregate, she said.

The RDN's electoral area services committee is recommending that the board approve public consultation as well as a joint-use agreement between the RDN and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools for court usage, and changes to a 10-year licence agreement for the skate park site to add the extra amenities. Allocation of $35,000 in Area A gas tax money for court upgrades is also being recommended.

Speaking at the July 4 electoral area services committee meeting, Rick Saykin, RDN manager of parks services, said there has been dialogue with the school district about a joint-use agreement.

"They stipulated [the pickleball courts] would just be for after-hours for community use and of course, weekends and holidays and summer time for access and security reasons, but they're definitely supportive and interested in entering into [an agreement]."

Members of the Steve Smith Legacy Foundation have contacted the RDN, stating a desire "to construct and fund a pump track" and seek confirmation of community interest, stated a separate staff report on public consultation.

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Karl Yu

About the Author: Karl Yu

I joined Black Press in 2010 and cover education, court and RDN. I am a Ma Murray and CCNA award winner.
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