Pickleball Players in North Saanich Fight to Keep Courts Open

Are you a pickleball enthusiast who is outraged by the recent closure of the Wain Park courts in North Saanich? You’re not alone. The decision to shut down the courts has sparked a wave of protest from players who are determined to fight for their beloved sport.

The Saanich Peninsula Pickleball Association (SPPA) has been leading the charge, with president Brad Watson expressing deep disappointment in the council’s decision. The closure was prompted by noise complaints from nearby residents, but the SPPA denies any accusations of bullying and insists that the decision was made without transparency or public input.

In a recent presentation to the council, the SPPA outlined a plan to install sound mitigation panels at the courts, similar to those at Oak Bay’s Carnarvon Park courts. These panels could reduce noise levels by up to 50%, making the courts more neighbor-friendly. The SPPA even offered to organize volunteers to help with the installation, in an effort to lower costs.

Despite these efforts, the council has remained unmoved, with only one member posing a question during the presentation. Coun. Jack McClintock, the lone voter against closing the courts, has vowed to reopen the conversation when the council reconvenes after summer break. He believes that the new information presented by the SPPA should warrant a motion to reconsider the closure.

In the meantime, accusations of misinformation have been flying, with the SPPA claiming that the district’s website is spreading false information about community engagement regarding the courts. The association has even threatened legal action, with a group of residents and players warning that they will pursue a judicial review if the council does not reconsider their decision.

The fight to save the Wain Park pickleball courts is far from over, and players are gearing up for a battle to ensure that their valuable asset is not lost. If you’re a pickleball enthusiast who wants to stay informed about the latest developments in this ongoing saga, be sure to sign up for the Capital Daily newsletter. Together, we can work to keep pickleball alive and thriving in North Saanich.