A new multi-sport covered court facility has moved a step closer to reality in Ladner with more on the horizon for elsewhere in Delta.
Council on Monday approved awarding a contract valued at more than $1.8 million to cover the outdoor lacrosse box located next to the Ladner Leisure Centre (LLC), having received federal funding last year to help make the project a reality.
A report to council notes that although lacrosse will continue to be the predominant and priority user of the facility, covering the surface will provide rain protection for a multitude of sports groups looking to play or practice outdoors year-round.
In addition to lacrosse, it will also act as a training facility for sports such as baseball and soccer and will include basketball nets for more informal play.
The facility will be equipped with a roof and lighting to also relieve conflicting needs in the early spring and late summer when there is an overlap of differing sports wanting dry floor space at the LLC, the report notes.
Councillors wondered when North Delta and Tsawwassen would be getting similar covered facilities.
City manager Sean McGill noted that, while there’s no set timetable, he’s discussed options with Parks Recreation and Culture director Ken Kuntz.
The plan is to introduce other facilities over the year or two, proposals that will be discussed during the city’s budgeting process.
Mayor George Harvie said the lacrosse box at Delview Park is an ideal location for the next covered facility and it will be discussed at council’s next business plan workshop.
He added Delta has four outdoor lacrosse boxes but a couple are currently in poor shape.
Coun. Lois Jackson agreed that the next covered sports court should be in North Delta, but feels the community should have at least two since it’s larger than Ladner and Tsawwassen.
Coun. Bruce McDonald noted a foundation document is being prepared that will outline what future parks and recreation projects should be next for all three communities.
