The Town of Oliver’s new outdoor courts opened up to great interest; and ahead of schedule.
Work on the courts began in March, expanding the community’s racquet-sport facilities with a plan to have the upgraded courts open in June.
Instead, the facilities opened on May 25. Even with closed signs and the new fences installed, not everyone was deterred from going to try out the courts as soon as possible.
“Two days before we opened we actually had some people literally remove the glass from the gates so they could go in there and play,” said Carol Sheridan, the manager of Oliver Parks and Recreation. “Then we opened up and the courts were great.”
READ MORE: ‘Much-needed facelift’: Outdoor sports facility in Oliver getting upgrades this spring
The project still has some finishing touches that are ongoing, such as new signage, landscaping and the viewing area for the courts, but the main work was completed early.
The costs for the project also came in close to the original budget, with an expected overrun of around $15,000, largely due to increased material and labour costs.
Oliver Parks and Recreation received a $42,000 grant for the project, and local sponsorship donations raised another $40,000.
The tennis courts were resurfaced and four new pickleball courts were added to the facility’s capacity.
A ribbon-cutting and barbecue for the new courts will be held on June 11 at 10 a.m. The local tennis club and pickleball club will be having activities as well for people to come down and check out.
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