Town council gets cost update on recently completed pickleball courts

Town council has received an update on the costs of the new pickleball courts at the Libro Centre.

The courts were recently completed and put into use, though there was one day when they could not be used as a wind screen was being installed. Councillor Diane Pouget put forth a motion to get a complete report on the costs relating to the new courts.

“It’s a very simple request,” said Pouget. “We have stated previously it was going to be $500,000 and because the public cannot see the cheque registry, I think it would be in the best interest of all of us to see exactly how much it costs, including the wind barrier.”

Councillor Molly Allaire asked director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon if a cost was easily attainable could be given to council that night, with Baillargeon telling council it was not overbudget and included the wind screen.

The cost reported by Baillargeon to town council for the new pickleball courts was $468,568.31.

Councillor Don McArthur said he goes by the new courts on his bicycle regularly.

“I’m happy to report there’s people playing there all the time,” said McArthur. “The residents of Amherstburg are voting with their feet and their paddles as well. That’s exciting for a councillor to see good things happening like that. Underbudget is also nice to hear as a councillor.”

McArthur asked if the Amherstburg Pickleball Association are continuing to fundraise. 

Baillargeon said the association has thus far raised over $24,000.

Councillor Linden Crain said he was satisfied with what he heard and didn’t see the need for a written report. 

Pouget thanked Baillargeon for the information and withdrew her motion to have administration provide a report.

Town council gets cost update on recently completed pickleball courts

By Ron Giofu