Wain Park Pickleball Court Replacement: North Saanich’s latest plan to replace the Wain Park pickleball courts has sparked backlash, with critics calling the proposal a “half-baked” solution. The council’s lack of consultation and rushed decision-making has led to concerns that the new idea, which includes picnic tables and basketball hoops, won’t address community needs or noise issues effectively.
Details of the Proposal
In a recent council meeting, North Saanich staff presented a plan to replace the Wain Park pickleball courts with alternative features like a kids’ cycling area, outdoor games, and fitness spaces. The proposal, however, lacked essential elements like a feasibility study or thorough analysis.
The estimated cost of $10,000 was presented without any real breakdown, and community consultation had been notably absent. Neighbors had already voiced concerns about being left out when the courts were first built in 2017, and they remain worried about the future of the space.
Opposition from Council Members
Councillors Jack McClintock and Phil DiBattista voiced strong opposition to the plan. McClintock advocated for finding a solution that would address the division within the community, while DiBattista recommended waiting for the upcoming Saanich Peninsula Facility Needs Assessment, which is expected in two months.
Despite their calls for further discussion, the mayor and three councillors pushed forward with a proposal to place picnic tables and basketball hoops where the pickleball courts currently stand, ignoring concerns and sidestepping additional input.
Concerns About the New Plan
The new proposal to install picnic tables on an asphalt surface, surrounded by a fenced area, is seen by many as impractical. Critics argue that such a space, with its potential for noise from picnickers, basketball players, and cars, could create more disturbances than the pickleball games themselves. The mayor’s suggestion to use a “surface that dissipates heat” was met with skepticism, and many question the true cost of the new plan, as it’s likely to exceed the initial $10,000 estimate.
Alternative Suggestions
While picnic tables are a welcome addition to the park, critics argue they should be placed in a grassy area, perhaps with trees for shade, rather than on an asphalt surface. A better solution for the basketball area would be to upgrade the existing facility, which is currently in poor condition, using funds already available in the district’s reserve.
Impact on the Community
The ongoing noise concerns remain unresolved. It’s doubtful that replacing the pickleball courts with picnic tables and basketball hoops will quiet the opposition, as noise from picnickers, families, and sports activities is likely to continue. The lack of meaningful consultation with the neighbors and hasty decision-making has left many feeling frustrated.
News in Brief: Wain Park Pickleball Court Replacement
North Saanich council’s proposal to replace Wain Park pickleball courts with picnic tables and basketball hoops has been criticized for lacking proper research and community input. Critics argue the plan will not address noise issues and could be more disruptive than the games themselves. Many call for restoring the pickleball courts with better sound mitigation.
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