Cedar Secured Funding for Pickleball Courts: Residents of Cedar are currently in discussion with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) regarding potential upgrades at Cedar Secondary School grounds, focusing on the addition of pickleball courts. The initiative, led by Lanarc Consultants, proposes integrating pickleball facilities onto existing tennis courts. Estimated costs for upgrades, including renovating, new netting, and other developments, amount to approximately $30,000.
Funding and Project Costs
According to a report from RDN staff, the projected costs for line painting and resurfacing of the tennis courts are estimated at $20,000. Additional expenses are anticipated for the installation of permanent tennis and pickleball nets, along with storage facilities. The project funding includes $350,000 from the B.C. developing Communities fund allocated specifically for playground improvements. Notably, funding for the construction of a pump track remains unsecured at this time.
Stephanie Nash, a pickleball instructor, highlighted the community’s need for a dedicated space,indicating overcrowding at Nanaimo’s existing courts. She pointed out that a new facility in Cedar would provide a central hub for players of all skill levels, developing community engagement and recreational opportunities. The proposal has gathered support from the RDN’s Electoral Area A parks commission, which recommends public consultation and a joint-use agreement with the school district.
Community Access and Joint-Use Agreement
Rick Saykin, RDN manager of parks services, confirmed ongoing discussions with the school district to ensure community access outside the school hours. The Steve Smith Legacy Foundation has expressed interest in funding a bike pump track, pending confirmation of community interest through public consultation.
Rick, addressed attendees at the July 4 meeting of the electoral area services committee, revealing ongoing discussions with the school district regarding a potential joint-use agreement.
“They stipulated [the pickleball courts] would just be for after-hours for community use and of course, weekends and holidays and summer time for access and security reasons, but they’re definitely supportive and interested in entering into [an agreement].”
-(Rick Saykin )
The initiative reflects RDN’s commitment to enhancing recreational infrastructure in Cedar, addressing community needs, and promoting active lifestyles through collaborative partnerships and strategic funding allocation.
News in Brief: Cedar Secured Funding for Pickleball Courts
Residents of Cedar are currently engaged in the discussion led by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) for potential upgrades at Cedar Secondary School grounds, specifically focusing on adding pickleball courts. The proposal, managed by Lanarc Consultants, aims to integrate pickleball facilities onto existing tennis courts at an estimated cost of $30,000 for upgrades. Additional funding details include $350,000 from the B.C. Growing Communities fund allocated for playground improvements, with a pump track funding initiative awaiting community confirmation. Stephanie Nash, a pickleball instructor, points out the need for dedicated facilities to reduce overcrowding and develop community engagement.
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