City council is supporting a three-year agreement giving Salmon Arm Pickleball Club members guaranteed – but not exclusive – access to courts at Klahani Park.
The agreement, negotiated between the Shuswap Recreation Society (SRS) and the Salmon Arm Pickleball Club Society (SAPCS), was on the Jan. 8 council agenda, along with a background report from city administrator Erin Jackson.
For the past year, the club’s use of the Klahani pickleball courts has been guaranteed under a one-year agreement, through which the club was allotted access for specified days and times so that it could schedule programming for members. Jackson said the agreement proved successful for all parties involved, including the public.
“One of the hallmarks of the agreement was ensuring public use was maintained, and courts 4 and 5 were left open during club court times and all six courts were available for 21 hours per week, including much of the weekend,” explained Jackson.
The club grew from 104 members in 2022 to 118 in 2023, said Jackson, adding it gave back to community by offering free pickleball lessons for 60 students over a five-week period.
The proposed three-year agreement included an eight per cent increase in weekday court time for the club. The fee structure per club member for use of the courts starts at $25 per year, with annual adjustments equal to the B.C. consumer price index.
Under the agreement, the Renter (the club) agrees its right to use common areas of the facility is non-exclusive, and “that the Facility may be available for use by the public and the Society.” Coun. Debbie Cannon suggested additional language be included that would support the city or the recreation society being able to book the courts for special events, such as the 55+ BC Games.
“I do not believe this agreement captures that; however, I think that the Shuswap Recreation Society and the city can work with the pickleball club to amend the agreement so that that’s clear,” said Jackson.
Council, however, voted to amend the agreement to add the necessary language.
“I don’t think we should be giving exclusive use to any group of a facility like this without the ability for other groups or us to use it for special events,” noted Coun. Kevin Flynn while speaking in support of the amendment.
“I think it’s probably understood, but it’s always best to have things written down,” added Mayor Alan Harrison. “Like the school district, for example, might want to hold a tournament on a Friday… having it within the agreement, I don’t think there will be any difficulty with the pickleball users agreeing to it.”
Flynn commented on other elements of the agreement, such as the user fee and the eight per cent court time increase.
“I find it interesting that we haven’t even approved it and they’re asking for an eight per cent increase in usage, but no increase in fees,” said Flynn. “I do want to make it really clear that $25 a year is (an) unbelievably good deal for users.”
Harrison thanked former SRS manager Darby Boyd for negotiating the agreement, and said that over the course of the former agreement, he received no complaints from the public regarding court access. Regarding fees, he noted there has been an increase in revenue due to the increase in membership.
“It would be interesting to see after our current general manager is there through the duration of this contract whether there’s a recommendation to increase that amount,” said Harrison. “But I appreciate the work that’s been done and I appreciate the pickleball club working with them.”
Council voted unanimously in support of the agreement.
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