Pickleball pickle

Photo: Contributed - allaboutpickleball.com

Pickleball and tennis enthusiasts will have to wait to find out whether or not they have the backing of Greater Vernon politicians for new facilities at Marshall Field.

Proponents say it would cost just over $2 million to build an indoor, 12-court structure, but North Okanagan Regional District staff have been told to go back and check out the price tag.

“What I see as the problem is this would have to go to the general public for borrowing, or we would have to start some kind of savings,” director Jim Garlick told the Greater Vernon Advisory Council.

“We certainly don't have that kind of money in reserves,” said regional district treasurer Stephen Banmen. “We'd have to borrow or save up.”

The pickleball and tennis groups are looking at a .75 acre slice of Marshall Fields, near the indoor soccer facility. Regional district staff concede there is a lack of flat land in the region available for such structures.

Dog walkers, soccer, tennis, softball are already using Marshall Field and other groups are eyeing it, said one staff member.

Garlick led the call for more information.

“What is the potential for its use? What are the existing facilities for these groups around the community? What are the costs?” he asked, further urging staff to look at the soccer building as a model.

The pickleball and tennis clubs had been pressing for construction of a structure to begin in May.