Grey Highlands council doesn't want to wait for new permanent pickleball courts for the community.
At its meeting on Sept. 18, council turned down a staff report that recommended that construction of new pickleball courts and other recreation facilities be put on hold until after the municipality completes a master plan study for King Edward Park in Markdale.
In a 3-3 vote, council turned down the staff report recommending the any potential pickleball projects be delayed. Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen and councillors Tom Allwood and Paul Allen voted in favour, while Coun. Nadia Dubyk was absent.
Earlier this year, the Pickleball Club of Grey Highlands made a presentation to council asking that the municipality consider a project to construct permanent outdoor pickleball courts on land at the Flesherton arena complex adjacent to the ballpark. Currently, Grey Highlands has just one outdoor court for pickleball at Memorial Park.
“I’m just wondering why, when the preferred location was in Flesherton, we’re deferring a decision?” Allen asked.
Members of Grey Highlands staff explained that King Edward park was also a potential location for permanent outdoor pickleball courts and it made sense to hold off on any project until the master plan for the park process is complete.
Grey Highlands is currently working on an RFP for a consultant to prepare the master plan for the park.
Coun. Joel Loughead said he wanted to see a permanent solution for pickleball sooner rather than later.
“The preferred location is Flesherton. That is an avenue we need to explore,” he said.
