108 Mile Ranch Pickleball Courts: The South Cariboo Pickleball Association has received a significant financial boost for its initiative to construct outdoor pickleball courts in the 108 Mile Ranch. In late October, the association secured a $125,000 grant from the South Cariboo Joint Committee, which consists of representatives from the Cariboo Regional District and the District of 100 Mile House.
Funding Strategy
Larry Davis, the chairperson of the South Cariboo Pickleball Association, expressed optimism about the project’s viability. He stated that this grant, combined with funds raised from various community events, brings them closer to their financial goal, which is approximately $260,000 to $270,000.
“We think we have enough, if we get some grants, to move forward hopefully within the next year to get pickleball courts at the 108,” Davis remarked. He noted, “We’re at the halfway mark now, and if anything comes through, I could see us starting to build next summer.” The association plans to seek additional funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust while still obtaining bids from local contractors to finalize the project’s costs.
Community Engagement
This announcement comes on the heels of a recent agreement between the pickleball association and the 108 Ranch Community Association, which will allow the courts to be constructed beside the 108 Mile Community Hall. The proposed venue will feature seven pickleball courts, available for use during the spring, summer, and fall, weather permitting.
Davis pointed out that this effort marks a renewed commitment to bringing outdoor pickleball courts to the South Cariboo after a previous attempt faltered. In the summer of 2023, plans to convert an old tennis court in Centennial Park into pickleball courts faced local opposition due to noise concerns. The council ultimately decided to repurpose the courts into half a tennis court and half a basketball court.
Addressing Noise Concerns
Learning from past challenges, Davis mentioned that the association is taking proactive measures to alleviate any potential noise issues this time. Plans include using the soil excavated during construction to create berms around the courts, which will help absorb sound. Additionally, the introduction of new silent pickleballs and paddles will be encouraged among association members.
“We have been doing this since 2020, trying to find a venue,” Davis said. “I’m happy to say we had a community meeting with the 108 Mile community, and there was really no opposition to the project. I think the 108 will be able to have a set of pickleball courts everyone can be happy with, especially the pickleball community.”
Looking Ahead
Davis indicated that the association will learn if the courts can be built by 2025 by spring when the Northern Development Initiative Trust and other organizations announce their grant recipients. Meanwhile, community members interested in supporting the club can reach out to Davis at [email protected].
“When folks see us selling our duck tickets this spring, they’ll know it’s going toward building something in the 108 community that everyone in the South Cariboo can use and enjoy.”
News in Brief: 108 Mile Ranch Pickleball Courts
The South Cariboo Pickleball Association is on track to build outdoor pickleball courts in 108 Mile Ranch, thanks to a $125,000 grant from the South Cariboo Joint Committee. Chairperson Larry Davis announced plans for a seven-court venue, with hopes to start construction by summer 2025, pending additional funding. The association is taking steps to address noise concerns and has garnered community support for the project. Interested individuals can contact Davis for sponsorship opportunities.
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