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Vernon pickleball courts cost grows

Association asks GVAC for $95,000 reimbursement on unexpected costs
9712752_web1_171207_VMs_Vernon-pickleball-courts
Construction on the Vernon pickleball courts this year. Photo credit: Vernon Morningstar files

The Vernon Pickleball Association is asking for $95,000 in reimbursement for unexpected costs incurred with the development of the Marshall Field public pickleball courts.

The request made to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee related to hydro ($44,259) and irrigation ($20,741) upgrade costs along with having to relocate a fire hydrant ($30,000).

The Marshall Field site was dedicated for a 12-pickleball court facility with the association provided $300,000 from the GVAC towards the $1.4 million construction cost, Okanagan Wealth Advisors/HollisWealth signed on as the lead corporate sponsor, and the VPA’s Don Friesen taking on the role of general contractor to build the facility.

Related: Court construction in full swing

The project broke ground Oct. 10 with the perimeter footings poured and elevated concrete centre walkway completed. Paving and fencing will be completed in the spring to make the facility playable, designed with the idea that eventually a roof can be installed to turn it into an indoor facility.

The pickleball courts will complement the baseball diamonds, tennis courts and soccer pitches already in place at Marshall Fields.

While the association has invested its resources into the project to date, it is anticipated that pickleball tournaments will help generate an ongoing revenue stream as will further corporate sponsorships.

Speaking to the GVAC on Wednesday, Friesen said the Hydro costs reflect a major upgrade to the utility service—a new transformer and associated site prep and installation expense—that will benefit all the Marshall Fields users.

Additional irrigation costs associated with moving water lines were also not anticipated as was the relocation of the fire hydrant.

The association currently has a membership of 270 players, ranging in age from 13 to 90.

The GVAC will discuss the funding request in January.


 


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Barry Gerding

About the Author: Barry Gerding

Senior regional reporter for Black Press Media in the Okanagan. I have been a journalist in the B.C. community newspaper field for 37 years...
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