A new eight-court pickleball facility is opening this week at Beban Park in Nanaimo, replacing a smaller site where neighbours complained of the persistent sound of balls being batted back and forth.
There are no nearby neighbours to be bothered by the sound of pickleball at the new location, which celebrates its grand opening at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
“Pickleball is incredibly popular and I know these courts will be well used. Play on!” Mayor Leonard Krog said.
Six pickleball courts had been in Beaufort Park, but neighbours complained to the city about the noise from daily games played close to their homes.
In June, David Maloney, whose house is about 10 metres from the courts, called the situation a “colossal nightmare,” saying he couldn’t sit on his deck or open a window.
Along with the sound of paddles hitting balls, nearby residents said they had to put up with heavy traffic coming in and out of the unpaved parking lots, which caused dust to float around the area.
After complaints, council voted to move the pickleball courts to Beban Park.
The courts at Beaufort Park were originally used for tennis before being converted for pickleball.
Nanaimo plans to turn them into youth courts for a range of activities, including hockey and basketball.
Beban Park’s new pickleball courts are located near a golf course and driving range. The city says they were created with input from local pickleball players and the Nanaimo Pickleball Club.
After the ribbon-cutting, a demonstration game is scheduled with instruction and pickleball clinics for both beginner and advanced players. Open play will be available once the special event wraps up.
The courts are fenced and have an anti-slip sport coating. The main entrance is on the west side of the courts.
Bleachers, partly paid for by the local pickleball club, will be in a central viewing area and set up in a format allowing spectators to sit on both sides.
The project’s $518,000 cost was partly covered by B.C.’s Community Works Fund through the Canada Community Building Fund.
>>> To comment on this article, write a letter to the editor: [email protected]
