Salmon Arm City’s Pickleball Controversy: The Salmon Arm city council has opted not to share the repair costs incurred by the Salmon Arm Pickleball Club for preparing the Klahani Park pickleball courts for the recent 55+ BC Games.
Pickleball Club’s Effort for Safe Pickleball Courts
Ahead of the Games, held from Sept. 10-14, Salmon Arm Pickleball Club President Mike Joyce communicated with Darin Gerow, Salmon Arm’s roads and parks manager, as well as Shuswap Recreation Society’s operations manager.
Mike Joyce expressed concern about the entrance to the Klahani Park pickleball courts, citing a “need for improvement” to ensure safe access during the Games.
“Mr. Gerow’s reply was there was money in the budget to make the repairs.” wrote Mike Joyce in his letter to the council. Following this assurance, the club took responsibility for the $1,490 repair expense, intending to finalize the improvements before the event.
“We then made arrangements that the pickleball club would pay the $1,490 to make the repair.” – (Mike Joyce)
A Matter of Safety and Legal Concerns
Mike Joyce outlined several reasons for the repair, explaining that multiple players had tripped while accessing the courts, raising concerns of possible injury, especially with 350 players expected for the Games.
“and we were concerned that someone would be injured.” – (Mike Joyce)
In his letter, Mike Joyce stressed that a poorly maintained entrance posed a significant safety risk and could potentially lead to legal issues for the city.
“Having both entrances to the courts repaired also removed the possibility of a lawsuit against the city.” – (Mike Joyce)
In addition to player safety, Mike Joyce acknowledged the city’s broader investment in the courts, thanking them for the upgrades made to accommodate the event. Nevertheless, he formally requested that the council consider reimbursing the club for half of the repair costs.
“large amount of money on upgrading the courts.” – (Mike Joyce)
Council’s Rebuttal on Request
Councillor Debbie Cannon, who also served as the president of the Salmon Arm Games’ Host Organizing Committee, voiced her opposition to the club’s request for reimbursement during the Oct. 28 council meeting. Reflecting on the collaboration between Darin Gerow and the pickleball group, she noted the extensive work already done by the city.
“When I look at this letter, knowing full well how much Darin Gerow… worked with the pickleball group on that facility in Klahani – it was constant. Plus, at our budget time we put a lot of money towards resurfacing and paint on those pickleball courts…” – (Debbie Cannon)
Ownership in Hosting
Debbie Cannon added that organizations benefiting from hosting the Games should assume some responsibility.
“had to take a little bit of ownership in hosting, and I wouldn’t support this at this time.” – (Debbie Cannon)
News in Brief: Salmon Arm City’s Pickleball Controversy
Salmon Arm city council has decided against reimbursing the Salmon Arm Pickleball Club for half the cost of repairs to the Klahani Park pickleball courts entrance. Club President Mike Joyce argued the $1,490 repair was necessary to ensure safety for the 350 players attending the 55+ BC Games, emphasizing the risk of injury and potential legal issues.
However, Councillor Debbie Cannon, president of the event’s host committee, highlighted the city’s substantial investment in the facility and urged groups to assume some responsibility for event preparations. The council ultimately opted not to approve the cost-sharing request.
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