A Nanoose Bay resident raised concerns about activities that can potentially damage the new public courts at Jack Bagley Community Park.
The park was upgraded thanks in part to the $500,000 the Regional District of Nanaimo received from the Canada Community Revitalization Fun funding. It now features one tennis court, five pickleball courts and a basketball hoop.
Sandy Stirling, one of the group co-ordinators at the new pickleball courts, has witnessed activities she feels can possibly damage the courts. She sent a letter to the Nanoose Bay Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee to inform them about the situation.
The issue was also brought to the attention of Carolyn Kennedy, who is the RDN’s park planner. But to no avail.
“The opinion was that the the marks and scuffs created by certain activities are only superficial and not damaging to the courts,” Stirling indicated in her letter
Stirling also related an incident involving a father and his three young daughters that used the courts for non-intended purposes.
“They had a three-wheeled trike, roller blades and a skateboard,” she described. “At one point, the eldest of the three girls (probably around 11 years old) was hanging over the permanent net with her body totally suspended. As you know, the Nanoose school property is adjacent to the court so there is no lack of space for this family and others to enjoy those types of activities.”
Stirling also cited instances of people throwing balls for their dogs inside the courts and on the grassy field right there. As well, she said, the courts are being used for ball hockey.
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“I do realize these are ‘multi use courts’ but aren’t the main intended sports pickleball and tennis?,” she asked. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before our beautiful court surfaces and nets are damaged.”
Stirling suggest a sign be put up to identify court usage before more types of activities eventually damage the courts/nets.
Electoral Area E (Nanoose Bay) director Bob Rogers expressed concerns as well.
“Multi-use in my mind did not extend to skateboard, roller blades, bicycles and so on,” said Rogers, who added that so much money has been invested on the courts.
The committee endorsed a motion that staff review possible restrictions and signage for permissible uses of the sport court in Jack Bagley Community Park.
The second phase of the park is still in the works. The plan is to upgrade a single ball field, a half-size soccer field, and enhanced parking along Power Point Road.