Ali Howat, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
The Jasper Volleyball League is proposing an upgrade and extension to the second outdoor sand volleyball court at the Jasper Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
Elizabeth McLachlan, volunteer co-ordinator with the league, presented this proposal to municipal council at its committee of the whole meeting on Aug. 10.
The league allows participants to play casual outdoor volleyball during the summers.
In July, the league had 204 players come out, and they already have 90 players so far this month, many of these players consisting of new community members, long-term residents and even some tourists.
Currently, there are two courts. One is fully functional and recreational size of 60 feet by 30 feet. The sand was replaced in 2019.
However, the second is smaller than the average playing area and the ground is old dirt and sand, which makes it hard to play on.
There is also a mesh underneath that is supposed to stop weeds that doesn鈥檛 help and the league spends hours pulling weeds every season trying to get it ready for players.
With only having the two courts, the league is using the second court the best they can.
The league has no funding other than their own.
鈥淲e would like to see the municipality just support us and our growth,鈥� McLachlan said.
鈥淲e have lots of members coming out and play and there is opportunity for growth with our volleyball league.鈥�
The Jasper Volleyball League is asking the municipality to replace the sand in the second volleyball court and change the direction that the court is facing, so they are able to put in a full 60-by-30 feet playing area.
There is also a lot of unused space that the league feels has a lot of potential.
McLachlan reached out to local contractor Darcy Ruddy to get a quote of $9,345 to replace it, but that does not include any replacement of the concrete area in the back.
鈥淚 live across from the volleyball courts, and I see that its quite active a few days a week, and I鈥檇 like to promote this in some way and hopefully collectively find some funding to help grow the area. I鈥檇 be in favour of that,鈥� said Coun. Rico Damota.
鈥淚t鈥檚 certainly not too much to ask considering the numbers that you are drawing to the recreation that you are providing. I鈥檓 certainly in support of the request,鈥� added Coun. Jenna McGrath.
A motion was made by McGrath that committee of the whole direct administration to work with and refer this court expansion addition request to 2022 budget considerations including a scope of work report.
All were in favour of the motion and it was carried.
