Pickleball vs Housing Controversy at Oak Bay: Oak Bay’s plan to incorporate an indoor pickleball court and 24 rental units into Carnarvon Park’s redevelopment has ignited a heated debate. The proposal is part of the district’s updated master plan for the 3.9-hectare park, which has drawn mixed reactions from residents.
Pickleball Facility at the Core
Central to the proposal is the inclusion of an indoor pickleball court, which aims to enhance the park’s recreational offerings. This facility would be integrated into a multi-use building also featuring residential rental units. The proposal’s details will be reviewed in a special council meeting on September 12 at 7 p.m., alongside results from a community survey and a report to the council.
Community Backlash and Concerns
Despite the focus on improving recreational facilities, the plan has encountered substantial opposition. A petition with over 900 signatures has been presented, urging the council to exclude residential development from the park. Critics, including Alex Hertel, argue that integrating housing could diminish the park’s primary purpose as a communal space for activities like pickleball.
“As a Canadian I’ve always felt that we have a sacred duty to protect our communal spaces for future generations. They are our commons.” – (Hertel)
Hertel, representing a group of concerned residents, believes that parks should remain dedicated to recreational use. He fears that allowing residential development could set a precedent for future park encroachments. The park, which hosts a variety of activities including pickleball, is considered a vital community resource, and many residents are demanding its preservation.
Impact on Pickleball and Park Amenities
Carnarvon Park is a hub for various recreational activities, including pickleball, lawn bowling, and soccer. Adding an indoor pickleball court could significantly benefit players by providing a year-round facility, potentially alleviating congestion on existing outdoor courts. However, the proposal also raises concerns about increased traffic and parking issues, which could affect park-goers and pickleball enthusiasts.
Resident Steve Gorham has suggested that densification efforts should focus on main corridors rather than park spaces, which are crucial for community activities. He advocates for alternative locations for residential development to ensure that parks remain accessible and functional for all users.
“If we need to put more apartments along Cadboro Bay or Oak Bay Avenue or Foul Bay Road, let’s make that easier for the builders.” – (Steve Gorham)
Official Statements and Future Considerations
District officials have indicated that the proposed building would be about 12 meters high, integrating the indoor pickleball court and rental units. Mayor Keven Murdoch highlighted that the park’s improvement is a council priority, with a focus on enhancing recreational services. While housing was not the central theme of the plan, it was considered as a potential addition if a new building was to be constructed.
The mayor acknowledged concerns about maintaining adequate parking and ensuring that any development complements the park’s existing amenities, including its pickleball facilities. The final decision will depend on feedback from the upcoming council meeting and community input.
“We recognize that these are really important public spaces, important for people’s health and fitness and [as] social gathering spaces and just some oasis from civilization.” – (Keven Murdoch)
Alternative Suggestions
Residents have also proposed other uses for the park, such as additional outdoor pickleball courts, pavilions, community rooms, and adventure playgrounds. These suggestions reflect a desire to enhance the park’s recreational offerings while preserving its role as a communal space.
News in Brief: Pickleball vs Housing Controversy
Oak Bay’s proposal to add an indoor pickleball court and 24 rental units to Carnarvon Park has sparked significant debate. The plan, part of the park’s updated master plan, aims to enhance recreational facilities but has faced backlash from residents concerned about the inclusion of housing in a public park.
A petition with over 900 signatures has been submitted against the proposal. While the indoor pickleball court could benefit players, concerns about traffic and parking persist. The proposal will be discussed at a council meeting on September 12, with alternative suggestions for park use also being considered.
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