In search of a solution
Officials seeking a site for proposed racquet facility
“If it’s not used, then it’s just sitting there. And that’s what I’ve seen at Oakdene Park for several years now. The only time that field was heavily used was during the Gunn Baldursson soccer tournament.” “Before we send this group packing off to another community, I really think that we should take a look at that.” Coun. Cathy Maxwell
Town of Kentville staff will review its landholdings to see if there’s property where a proposed racquet facility could be located.
The Kings County Tennis Association had proposed using part of the soccer field closest to the Credit Union Rec Complex in the west end of town to build a 270- by 120-foot year-round racquet facility.
The proposed $7.3-million centre would include four tennis and eight pickleball courts.
Town staff did not support the proposed centre being built on the soccer field or one of the two soccer fields at Oakdene Park. Craig Langille, the town’s director of parks and recreation, said Field 4, next to the rec complex, is the most important soccer field in town and the Oakdene field could be required by the soccer association.
“Is there possibly a Plan C?” Coun. Andrew Zebian asked at the April 8 advisory committee meeting. “I’d hate to lose this opportunity. And I’d like to see if we could work with them.”
Coun. Cathy Maxwell said holding onto the Oakdene Park field in case the soccer association needs it would be a waste of space.
“If it’s not used, then it’s just sitting there. And that’s what I’ve seen at Oakdene Park for several years now. The only time that field was heavily used was during the Gunn Baldursson soccer tournament.”
Maxwell, who lives in the area, encouraged staff to have a hard look at the Oakdene space. She said the field is sometimes used for soccer practices, flag football and ultimate Frisbee.
“Before we send this group packing off to another community, I really think that we should take a look at that.”
Chief administrative officer Jeff Lawrence said staff will look at potential sites, liaise with the tennis association and provide a report with pros and cons and a recommendation to the May advisory committee meeting.