Pickleball Park Proposals Abandoned in Colwood: Dog owners and pickleball players in Colwood will have to look elsewhere for recreational space as two proposed amenities—an off-leash dog park and multi-sport courts—have been excluded from Quarry Park’s expansion plans. During a city council meeting on November 25, councilors were informed that the land available for the park expansion could not accommodate both facilities.
City Looks for Alternatives for Dog Parks and Pickleball Courts
City staff have been tasked with finding alternative locations within South Colwood for these much-needed amenities. This decision comes after requests from the city’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee in October to include dedicated off-leash dog parks and multi-sport courts in the Quarry Park expansion.
Space and Safety Concerns Over Dog Park Location
According to the staff report, the only available space for an off-leash dog area in the Quarry Park expansion is undersized compared to best practices. The proposed location would require full fencing, which, according to landscape architect Vanessa Walton, could lead to dog behavior issues. Walton, who works with Lanarc Consultants, explained that the limited size of the area and the fencing could exacerbate these concerns.
Noise Issues and Pickleball’s Potential Impact
The potential inclusion of multi-sport courts, including pickleball courts, raised concerns from neighbouring residents. Walton explained that placing pickleball courts close to residential areas often leads to noise complaints.
“In several communities across B.C., and in our parks planning experience, locating pickeball in close proximity to residential areas, really results in quite a few noise complaints.” – (Walton)
Furthermore, including the multi-sport courts would mean losing the planned “future build-out” space for the proposed community centre in the park. The draft expansion plan also includes a synthetic turf field, flexible field space, and park washrooms, increasing the park’s size from 11.2 acres to just shy of 16 acres.
Concerns Over Synthetic Turf Addressed
Councillor Cynthia Day raised concerns about the environmental and health risks of using synthetic turf in the park. However, senior planner Matt Blakely reassured the council that alternatives with a more “environmental and health-conscious” focus would be explored as part of the planning process.
Construction Progressing
Despite these setbacks, construction of phase one of Quarry Park is moving ahead. Situated next to a site designated for a new elementary school, the phase is expected to be completed in spring 2025. The first phase will feature a bike park, pedestrian plaza, and a playground.
The city council approved the draft expansion plan, with staff expected to return at a later date with a timeline for funding and implementation.
News in Brief: Pickleball Park Proposals Abandoned in Colwood
Plans to include an off-leash dog park and pickleball courts in Colwood’s Quarry Park expansion have been shelved. City staff will now look for alternative locations within South Colwood for these facilities.
The expansion of Quarry Park is progressing, with phase one set for completion in spring 2025. The park will feature a bike park, playground, and plaza. Concerns over synthetic turf and noise from pickleball courts were addressed, but the amenities will not be included in the current plan.
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