Eight new pickleball courts are coming to the Libro Centre as the tender was approved at Monday night’s town council meeting.
Amherstburg town council awarded the tender to the Jones Group Ltd. in the amount of $476,815.11 including contingency and that a $30,224.07 shortfall in funding come from the dedication reserve. Director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon said this was for the basics in terms of getting pickleball courts installed, with additional amenities like seating and shade areas possible for the future.
Councillor Diane Pouget, the lone council member to vote against the motion, questioned costs and believed the costs could rise towards $700,000 with the extra costs included. Items were removed to have a basic layout, Baillargeon pointed out, with those prices and work possible at a later date.
Pouget said she was opposed to it as money could be used elsewhere. She said the town has a $25 million debt that could grow to upwards of $80 million, stating that the town could spend as much as $25 million Monday night between the pickleball courts, a new fire truck and new south fire hall.
“We cannot afford it,” she said of the courts. “I know I will be accused of grandstanding and fear mongering but I encourage residents to ask questions and talk to us. Check it out for yourselves.”
Councillor Linden Crain wanted to know if Libro Credit Union has naming rights over all amenities at the Libro Centre, with Baillargeon stating they would not have naming rights over the pickleball courts. She said the economic development department is working on packages to bring to groups interested in becoming sponsors or getting naming rights for the courts.Councillor Don McArthur believed there were misconceptions about how the courts would be used. While the Amherstburg Pickleball Association (APA) has helped with the design of the courts, they would not have exclusive use of them.
“These are pickleball courts anyone can use,” he said.
Baillargeon said “they are available for the whole community. The public will be allowed on the courts. They will be for the whole community.”
McArthur praised the APA for its fundraising efforts. APA president Richard White told town council the group wants to see the construction of the eight new courts at the Libro Centre and agreed with the administrative recommendation.
The APA is eager to expand its fundraising efforts, said White, stating they have raised approximately $30,000 thus far. White added people can’t sponsor something that doesn’t exist, and the creation of the courts will give them something tangible to fundraise for.
Councillor Peter Courtney said they have to give something fun for residents to do “and I’m not a pickleball guy.” He asked where the courts will be going, with Baillargeon stating they will be going on the right side of the main driveway, in a grass area near the main parking lot.
“We’ve got to give some amenities back to the people,” said Courtney.
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said he supported the project from the beginning. Amenities have to be offered to residents, and new pickleball courts “hit a lot of big points for me.” The courts help promote health, active seniors and a sense of community.
Mayor Michael Prue disagreed with the notion the town was in tough financial shape, stating his belief strides have been made in the last number of years. He said through budgeting and careful spending, such items as pickleball courts can be afforded. Prue added the debt has been reduced over the last few years.
“I do not believe we are in bad shape,” said Prue.
Town council approves tender for pickleball courts in a 6-1 vote
By Ron Giofu
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