The Nanoose Bay community celebrated the official opening of the sports courts at the Jack Bagley Community Park on Saturday, May 4.
The new recreation facility is phase one of the park’s development project that now features a tennis court, five pickleball courts, a basketball hoop, a paved plaza with picnic tables, a new washroom building and accessibility improvements.
The celebration was attended by Regional District of Nanaimo vice-chair Stuart McLean, Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker, Parksville Coun. Joel Grenz and Electoral Area E (Nanoose Bay) director Bob Rogers.
McLean thanked the many people involved, including RDN staff members, groups and politicians in completing phase one of the project including the $500,000 grant from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.
Rogers said the new recreational facilities have enhanced the park’s popularity even more in Nanoose Bay and the region.
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“Improvements to Jack Bagley Park are already being enjoyed by many and will continue for many years to come,” said Rogers. “The proximity of Nanoose Elementary school just up there and Nanoose Place Community Centre enhance the value of this community park as an important hub to our community.”
Rogers indicated since the courts became playable, he has noticed a high number of people using the tennis and pickleball facilities, as well as the basketball hoop.
The Nanoose Bay Pickleball Club (NBPC) was formed two years ago and now boasts close to 250 members from novice to intermediate or advanced level. NBPC president Ken Collingwood said they are grateful for the co-operation between the RDN and federal government in revitalizing Nanoose Bay’s largest public playing field and turning it into a vibrant recreational hub for community sports. Elected officials and members of the public were also given the opportunity to try the sport.