New Pickleball Courts in Fort McMurray: The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has taken a significant step toward meeting the growing demand for pickleball in Fort McMurray. In a recent council meeting, Councillor Allan Grandison proposed transforming an outdoor rink in Thickwood into dedicated pickleball courts, a move aimed at addressing the sport’s increasing popularity in the region.
Project Details and Costs
The approved plan involves installing a Plexipave acrylic surface over the existing concrete at the Hinge Bay Outdoor Rink, located on Signal Road. The total project cost is estimated at $126,000, which includes $100,000 for the surface and an additional $10,000 for a bladder. Temporary nets for the courts are expected to cost $16,000. This option was the most expensive of the four presented to the council, but it was also deemed the highest quality, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable court for players of all ages.
Growing Demand for Pickleball
Ian Kelly, president of the Fort McMurray Pickleball Club, highlighted the rapid growth of the sport in the area. Since its inception in June, the club has expanded to 160 members. The existing public courts at MacDonald Island Park and Anzac Recreation Centre are frequently booked, creating barriers for residents looking to participate in the sport. Kelly emphasized that while other cities like Grande Prairie, Cochrane, Calgary, and Edmonton have been expanding their pickleball infrastructure, Fort McMurray has struggled to keep up. “Many clubs across Alberta are sending their youths to tournaments and they’re coming home with trophies. Meanwhile, Fort McMurray has yet to have the infrastructure to support any opportunities for our residents,” Kelly said.
Options Considered
The council considered several options for expanding pickleball facilities, ranging from a $24,000 plan to install portable nets and paint lines on the existing rink, to resurfacing the rink with Plexipave for $75,000. Other cheaper alternatives included relining two tennis courts at Coreless Field for $10,000, or opting to do nothing at all. However, the council ultimately chose the Plexipave option due to its long-term quality, despite the higher cost.
Kelly had supported the cheaper, $24,000 option, hoping it would quickly alleviate pressure on the existing facilities. “It’s growing amongst all age groups right now. It’s no longer just a seniors’ game,” Kelly explained, noting the sport’s widespread appeal across various age demographics, particularly those in their 30s.
Community Reactions
Not all council members were in favor of the approved motion. Councillor Kendrick Cardinal voted against all options, voicing concerns that rural communities in the RMWB had been excluded from recent discussions on recreational projects. Councillor Loretta Waquan expressed support for the motion but acknowledged Cardinal’s concerns as valid. Councillors Grandison, Keith McGrath, and Stella Lavallee voted in favor of the $126,000 plan, while the motion was opposed by Grandison and Cardinal. Councillors Lance Bussieres and Funky Banjoko were absent from the vote.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts in Fort McMurray
The RMWB council has approved a $126,000 project to convert the Hinge Bay Outdoor Rink in Thickwood into dedicated pickleball courts. The decision was made in response to the growing popularity of the sport, with the Fort McMurray Pickleball Club experiencing rapid growth. The Plexipave surface and temporary nets will provide a long-lasting facility to accommodate the rising demand. Despite concerns about rural community inclusion, the motion passed with the support of several councillors.
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