Pickleball Courts Sparks Backlash: A plan to replace the Gleneagles Adventure Park skate and bike terrain with pickleball courts has ignited backlash from the BMX and skateboarding community in West Vancouver. A petition opposing the project is rapidly gaining signatures, as skaters and riders fight to preserve what they see as an important recreational space.
City Cites Low Usage, Pickleball’s Rise
On March 10, the West Vancouver City Council approved a cost estimate to replace the park, citing low and inconsistent use of the facilities. Senior Manager of Parks Jill Lawlor stated that the bike terrain is limited to BMX mountain bikes, while the skate bowl caters mainly to advanced riders, leading to lower participation.
Meanwhile, the city points to the rising demand for pickleball courts in the area as justification for the proposed change. The decision follows recommendations from the Pickleball Advisory Roundtable.
Skateboarders and BMX Riders Push Back
The move has angered local BMX riders and skateboarders, including petition organizer Ryan Taylor, who strongly disputes the city’s claim that the park is underutilized.
“I quite strongly disagree with their belief that this is an unpopular area, and I do believe that the large amount of signatures and popularity that my petition is getting really speaks to that,” Taylor told 1130 NewsRadio.
Taylor proposes that pickleball courts be built at Ambleside Park instead, preserving Gleneagles Adventure Park for skaters and BMX riders.
City Maintains No Final Decision Has Been Made
In response to the backlash, the City of West Vancouver released a statement clarifying that no final decision has been made on the park’s fate. City staff plan to engage with local residents before moving forward.
Taylor argues that the park holds Olympic-level potential, as competitive skateboarding currently focuses on ramp parks rather than street courses.
“The Olympics do not have street competitions yet, they’re entirely ramp parks, and this is an entire park — and a very high quality, one at that.” – (Taylor)
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Sparks Backlash
A West Vancouver plan to replace the Gleneagles Adventure Park skate park with pickleball courts has sparked backlash, with a petition gaining traction. City officials claim the park has low usage, but skaters argue it remains a valuable community space. No final decision has been made, and public consultations are expected.
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