Beaverton park project set for new cost estimates and expanded amenities

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: The vision for Lodwick Park, in Beaverton, took another step forward recently, as Brock’s councillors directed staff to seek updated pricing, to complete key improvements, including: enlarging the park's pickleball courts, adding a soccer pitch, and installing permanent park signage.

At a recent meeting, council instructed staff to prepare a Request for Quotation (RFQ), to determine the additional funding required to complete the next phase of the Lodwick Park project. Council also approved the purchase and installation of park signage, as work on the recreational space continues.

The decision follows a report, from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward, who was asked to review the feasibility of upgrading the pickleball courts, after concerns were raised, by Beaverton resident Andrew Wingrove. A separate report, on potential pickleball improvements at MacLeod Park, in Cannington, will come after council reviews plans for that park.

Mr. Ward's report found the recently constructed pickleball court, at Lodwick Park, was built slightly narrower than the recommended standard. While the playing surface itself meets official pickleball requirements, the overall court width measures 8.5 metres, instead of the recommended nine metres.

In order to bring the facility up to the recommended dimensions it would require: removing fencing and posts, excavating and extending the court, repaving the surface, reinstalling fencing, regrading the surrounding area and repainting the court lines.

Preliminary estimates place the cost of the work at roughly $40,000, including new posts and line painting. However, the King Street Trust Reserve currently holds about $25,700, leaving an estimated funding gap of approximately $14,300.

Mr. Ward noted, in his report, while the undersized court was not identified until construction was complete, staff do not believe the additional half-metre of width justifies the cost of reconstruction, based on the current financial picture.

Instead, staff had recommended council consider the project, only if grant funding or community fundraising became available to offset the shortfall.

The report also examined other ideas raised by Mr. Wingrove, including converting one of the existing tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts. Staff found the tennis court surface remains in moderate condition and could benefit from resurfacing in the coming years. While adding pickleball lines to the tennis courts is possible, Mr. Ward noted, tennis and pickleball are generally not compatible on the same playing surface during regular play.

Staff also plan to monitor usage of both the tennis and pickleball courts, over the next year, to better understand demand before recommending any future conversions.

Director Ward's report highlighted other priorities facing the township's parks reserve fund. Approximately five playgrounds, including those at: the Sunderland Fairgrounds, Manilla Hall, Mill Gate, Gamebridge, and the Beaverton Fairgrounds, are expected to require replacement, over the next several years, at an estimated cost of about $100,000 each. Additional funding will also be needed for projects identified in the Township's Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Despite those financial pressures, council opted to continue advancing the Lodwick Park project, by obtaining updated pricing through the RFQ process. The review will also include the addition of a soccer pitch, expanding recreational opportunities at the park, beyond the original project scope.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, council recognizes the growing popularity of pickleball and the importance of ensuring recreational facilities continue to meet the needs of residents.

"Lodwick Park has become an important gathering place for the community, and council wants to make informed decisions about how we invest in its future," explained Mayor Jubb. "Obtaining updated pricing gives us a clear understanding of what it will take to complete these improvements, while remaining responsible with taxpayer dollars."

Mayor Jubb added, the proposed soccer pitch and park signage would help create a more complete community recreation hub.

"These additions would make Lodwick Park an even more welcoming destination for residents of all ages," he said. "Council is committed to building recreational spaces which encourage active lifestyles, bring people together, and serve the community for years to come."

Once the Request for Quotation process is complete, council will receive updated cost estimates, before determining how the next phase of the project will be funded.