Ready to serve
Beach volleyball court now open in Caledonia following a complete rebuild
Volleyball players in the North Queens area can enjoy a game on the newly restored beach volleyball court in Caledonia as of August 15.
At the July 9 Region of Queens Municipality’s regular meeting, council approved a request to install a new beach volleyball court adjacent to the North Queens Aquatic Centre, where a beach volleyball court was built in 1997. The newly constructed court is now open, and ready for organized programs and recreational use.
David Dagley, mayor of Region of Queens Municipality, said Council is pleased to provide funds to install a new beach volleyball court in Caledonia.
“Members of the community requested this municipal recreational space be developed, and with a recent resurgence of interest in the sport in the area, it will be a well-used site in the community,” the mayor said. “The court will be usable for three seasons of play, and provide residents and visitors in
Caledonia an area with another opportunity for outdoor recreation.”
The beach volleyball court was constructed to the guidelines and recommendations of Volleyball Canada. The minimum size of a beach volleyball court for triples, fours and sixes to compete is an area of 46 feet by 79 feet with a sand depth of 12 to 16 inches, and a permeable liner laid under the playing surface to prevent weeds growing within the playing surface.
According to information provided by the region, approximately 180 tonnes of appropriate sand was required. Council approved funding of approximately $7,400 plus HST for the costs associated with the rebuilding of the court, funded from Region of Queens Gas Tax fund. A new net system was purchased by local residents who fundraised in the community for its purchase.
Although the beach volleyball court has just opened, there are already an assortment of activities planned. Members of the community have plans to run volleyball programs at the new court, and have tournaments planned as well.
Twice a week in August and September, there will be organized pick-up games of volleyball for ages 14 and up, held on Wednesdays from 6- 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2-5 p.m. that started on Aug. 18. A 4-on-4 recreational volleyball tournament for ages 14 and up will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Aug. 31. A total of six teams may register to play.
Another tournament is being planned for September, with the date to be announced.
For information on the tournaments and pick-up volleyball games, contact Sheila Apostolofski at 902-682-7222.
The beach volleyball court is located at 9708 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS, beside the North Queens Aquatic Centre.