Hamilton Township turns down pickleball court expansion in Baltimore
Playing pickleball. By Jon Matthews. Free Use Domain. Unsplash.
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.
Additional pickleball courts will not be constructed at the Baltimore Recreation Centre, after Hamilton Township Council voted Tuesday to turn down the current proposal, but send the idea back to its parks and recreations department for further consideration as to whether a partial project could proceed.
The Cobourg Pickleball Club was seeking construction of eight new courts in Baltimore, costing approximately $375,000. After a $50,000 contribution from the Club and a 50 percent provincial grant, Hamilton Township would be required to pay approximately $137,000.
The Township currently does not have the funds in its general account or reserves. Proceeding with the project would put the reserves in a deficit of $98,000. It would take the Township nearly 20 years to recoup the reserve funds.
Deputy Mayor Larry Williamson voiced concerns about noise of the players and the sport, adding it would be nice to accommodate it due to its growing popularity. However, he explained it comes down to funds.
“It would be really great to have these. But, at this time we just don’t have the funding for that. It would put us into a $98,000 deficit,” Williams said.
Councillor Mark Loveshin echoed similar concerns to Williamson in regards to the cost, but also the need for the sport.
The Township offers limited pickleball infrastructure, including four tennis courts with painted pickleball lines and one repurposed skateboard pad converted into a dedicated pickleball court at the Baltimore Recreation Centre.
While attempting to find a compromise, Mayor Scott Jibb suggested whether to construct the project in phases to build two courts at a time.
“Is there any opportunity to stage like doing two courts and in future years doing two courts,” Jibb asked?
The Townships Parks and Recreation Master Plan does support the development of a community-led pickleball league and explore indoor and outdoor opportunities for the sport.
