Pickleball Facility in Newmarket: The Town of Newmarket is preparing to invest over $2 million in a non-competitive contract to install a bubble at its upcoming pickleball facility. The bubble, which will cover the facility at George Richardson Park, is aimed at providing winter play opportunities for local pickleball enthusiasts. Council will review the proposal at its upcoming meeting on February 3.
Bubbling for Winter Play
Newmarket’s pickleball players will soon be able to enjoy indoor play during the colder months, thanks to the new bubble planned for the George Richardson Park facility.
Staff have proposed awarding a $2 million contract to Farley Manufacturing Inc., the same company that provided the bubble for the new Keith Davis Tennis Centre in the south end of town. This decision aims to ensure consistency in maintenance and servicing of the two bubbles.
The proposal emphasizes the efficiency of using a single supplier. If a different company were selected for the pickleball facility, it would lead to duplicated efforts in training staff to operate and maintain the second type of bubble. The staff report highlighted that any issues arising with one bubble would not apply to the other, leading to increased costs over time.
“This would require not only a duplication of an extensive effort to initially learn how to operate and maintain a different, second type of bubble but would also create ongoing duplicated efforts and additional cost over time because as issues arise with one bubble, what is learned would not apply to the other.” – (staff report)
The contract, which will not include annual maintenance services, would ensure that the pickleball bubble is ready for use when the facility opens. Farley Manufacturing provides maintenance services only for the bubbles it produces, should any be needed in the future.
Old Main Street Development
In addition to the pickleball facility proposal, Town Council is considering a zoning approval for a new residential development on Old Main Street.
Pentacore Developments is proposing the construction of 16 semi-detached units and a fourplex at 231 Old Main St. Currently, the property consists of a two-storey single-detached home and two sheds, with the surrounding area primarily consisting of single-detached homes.
At a public meeting last October, some residents expressed concerns about the development’s impact on the neighborhood’s character. Despite this, the town has been approving more development in the area, including a 2018 proposal for 12 semi-detached units and a 2021 approval for 19 townhouse units.
Breathing Space at 230 Davis Drive
Council is also considering a zoning change for lands at 230 Davis Dr. to allow for a new municipal project, which will include a breathing space and trail connection near the Newmarket Church of Christ.
The zoning change application is part of the town’s efforts to enhance the area, while the Church of Christ lands will remain unchanged.
News in Brief: Pickleball Facility in Newmarket
Newmarket plans to invest over $2 million in a bubble for its upcoming pickleball facility at George Richardson Park. The bubble will allow for winter play and will be supplied by Farley Manufacturing. The town will also review zoning approvals for residential developments at Old Main Street and 230 Davis Dr.
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