It is time for North Saanich council to reach out to the pickleball community to resolve the current situation. The popularity of pickleball as a recreational activity justifies some dedication of resources to develop a plan that provides adequate pickleball courts in this community.
I am not a pickleball player, however, I have considerable experience in resolving conflicts between park users and adjacent neighbours. For more than 40 years I have constructed and operated park and recreation facilities with the last 22 of those years as the City of Delta’s director of parks, recreation and culture.
I am now retired and make North Saanich home. After watching the April 29 meeting and the subsequent July 8 meeting of council, it is clear to me that the lack of action by council in addressing pickleball facilities will only make the divide worse. While I am not suggesting that the only solution is to reopen Wain Road Park, it is my experience there is rarely a facility or activity within a park that exists without some form of inconvenience to the surrounding neighbourhood. Closure of a well-used popular facility is an extreme measure.
After spending my entire life as a senior-level municipal staffer, I can assure you that sometimes we as a council and/or staff don’t get things quite right. It requires that we take a second look to see if there is a better way. It is with this in mind that I urge council to set up a special task force with representatives of both council and pickleball to look at all options. Using respectful, factual and research-based communication I have witnessed many successful outcomes.
I would be more than happy to volunteer my time and expertise to provide council and or staff with advice on applying experiences from my past that can be used to seek a resolution.
Ken Kuntz
North Saanich
