Six new outdoor pickleball courts are on the way for Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.
West Shore Parks & Recreation has issued a request for proposals for the project, which is open to contractors with experience in outdoor sports-facility construction.
The request, which closes Nov. 27, says the courts should be ready for use by the end of May. They will replace the beach volleyball courts, which are located next to existing tennis courts and the par-3 golf course.
Beach volleyball has never really taken off there, said chief administrative officer Grant Brown.
Two of the tennis courts currently have pickleball lines, while another two pickleball courts are available at the complex’s indoor-sports facility.
West Shore Parks & Recreation said the location of the new pickleball courts was chosen because of the distance from residential areas, which will minimize noise concerns, as well as the ample parking and washrooms nearby.
The noise made by paddles hitting balls has frequently generated noise complaints in other areas.
In North Saanich, a backlash over council’s decision to close pickleball courts in Wain Park in May due to noise complaints sparked a court battle.
West Shore Parks & Recreation said the $400,000 project, which was prompted by “overwhelming community interest,” will be funded from capital-works reserves.
Brown said the existing pickleball courts are well-used and most drop-in sessions fill up. “It’s definitely high demand,” he said.
In Saanich, 15 indoor pickleball courts are available at Saanich Commonwealth Place, Pearkes Recreation Centre and Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, as well as 13 outdoor courts. Six more courts are planned for Fowler Park in the Cordova Bay area, after which two courts at Tolmie Park are expected to be phased out.
View Royal Coun. Damian Kowalewich, chair of the West Coast Parks & Recreation Society, said he is excited about the new courts amid the sport’s growing popularity.
“This prioritizes the physical health and wellness of our residents and shows that we are prepared to meet the demand of this growing sport,” he said. “Amenities like this contribute to a high quality of life for residents of all ages and allow individuals to stay active playing this popular sport.”
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