Port Alberni's largest pickleball association says they are out of space, and they have a plan for expansion. However, they need city council's support to kickstart their grant applications.
"...the current recreational infrastructure for pickleball in Port Alberni has not kept pace with the growing demand," grant committee delegate R. Crema wrote in a letter to city council included in the May 12 regular meeting. The PA Picklers have 130 members, and they are one of several organizations representing 500 active members in the city, Coun. Debbie Haggard said.
The PA Picklers appealed to council for a letter of support for their plans. There are only four pickleball courts at Gyro Park and the net needs to be installed every time someone plays. There are courts painted inside the outdoor lacrosse box, however the Echo Sunshine Club uses those courts and they have to be booked in advance.
The proposed expansion would include converting two of the five tennis courts at Gyro Park into six permanent pickleball courts with appropriate line markings, nets, fencing and surfaces. Another tennis court would be converted to a multi-use court with portable nets depending on which sport was being played. Ongoing maintenance and upkeep could be worked out through a partnership with the city.
Port Alberni City Council agreed to provide the PA Picklers with a letter of support for the concept, acknowledging that the group is missing out on provincial and federal funding opportunities because they haven't had a letter. Haggard then moved that the city "work closely" with the PA Picklers on design and cost estimates.
Councillors Charles Mealey and Todd Patola cautioned that supporting pickleball expansion is "putting the cart before the horse" when the city's recreational master plan hasn't been finished yet. "Sending out a letter of support is one thing...committing city resources is another thing," Patola said.
Mayor Sharie Minions supported the club's application and Haggard's motion to work with the group. "Sometimes we get caught up in the planning," she said.
"There's no question we need more pickleball courts."
Len Doumont from the PA Picklers was relieved council agreed to write a letter of support because the deadline for grants was the end of May. "We're kind of excited," he said after the meeting.
Picklers' Sam Doumont said proposed changes will still benefit tennis players that use the courts. "It's not just about us, it's about the whole racquet sports in that area."
While the pickleball organization has some money set aside for court expansion, they will be fundraising for an additional $150,000—what they estimate they will need to make changes.
