Crews install lights at the site of a new 20-court pickleball facility next to the Big Marble Go Centre on Monday morning.--News Photo Collin Gallant
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The construction of the sprawling new pickleball facility at the Big Marble Go Centre is about 20 per cent over budget, but with a new operator covering the shortfall with grants and ongoing revenue.
The facility, to eventually include a commercial kitchen and public washrooms nearby, was estimated to cost $2 million when it was approved as a pandemic stimulus grant project in late 2020.
With crews putting the finishing touches on courts and fencing this week, public services committee heard the final budget will be closer to $2.4 million.
The $390,000 difference will be covered by a $125,000 provincial communities facilities grant available to the Medicine Hat Pickleball Club.
That group will also pay off a $265,000 loan from the city’s capital reserve via a lease agreement over 10 years.
“A requirement of the stimulus program was that (the projects) not add operational cost,” said public services division head Brian Mastel. “Our instinct right out of the gate was to have an operating agreement with the pickleball club to have them handle day-to-day maintenance.
“There was an option to have city run it, but that’s off the table due to the conditions of the stimulus grant.”
The club has 250 members, the committee heard, and will raise revenue through membership sales, collecting admission at the courts it will operate and staging events and tournaments.
A kitchen and washroom facility is still to be delivered in a next phase, along with a shade canopy, water stations and utility servicing to install misting stations to subdue heat.
“These are priorities, and that’s reassuring for me,” said Coun. Allison Knodel, who says the community group operation was the best decision. “Empowering community groups to have the authority over their spaces will allow for the most efficient and effective upkeep and communications with the city. They are the advocate for the space.”
Washrooms would also be open to the public near Moose Soccer fields next to the Go Centre, as well as a planned playground near the site.
The budget amendment requires council approval. The issue will arise on May 16.
