ROCKWOOD – New pickleball courts have been proposed for both Marden park and Rockmosa park in Guelph/Eramosa.
The proposal came after council rejected the construction of multi-use pads in both parks back in June.
According to township staff, the demand for pickleball courts exceeds the demand for a multi-use pad for sports such as basketball.
Staff have estimated the cost of constructing four courts (two for each park) with an acrylic surface would cost the township $322,000, plus an additional $25,000 for fencing and $160,000 for lighting.
An additional cost of $40,00 to $120,000 may also be added for additional grading as well as the construction of paths to connect the courts to the rest of the park.
Councillor Mark Bouwmeester voiced his support for the previously rejected multi-use pads, stating a multitude of uses such as skating, basketball and gaga ball.
“If you want to have something, I think a pad will go a long way,” he said.
Council has directed staff to investigate the installation of the courts as well as a more in-depth breakdown of cost.
Councillor Corey Woods asked staff to investigate the washroom situation at Rockmosa park, calling the washroom facilities “embarrassing.”
“I’m sure the washrooms were adequate 20 years ago, but I mean the building is sinking,” said Woods.
“They’re totally undersized, they’re no longer adequate.”
The washrooms, which were previously on council’s to-do list are anticipated to cost roughly $2 million to repair, according to parks and facilities manager Jeff Myer.
The washrooms were previously set for repairs, but due to higher-than-expected costs, the repairs were not completed.
Councillor Steve Liebig asked staff to investigate setting up a concession stand at Rockmosa Park.
Mayor Chris White urged staff to look into having the stand operated by a local business.
Staff will present an updated cost breakdown for the courts to council in October.
Other items such as the concession stand and bathrooms may come to council at a later date.
