The tennis courts at Hackett Park in Sechelt are set for a $6,000 makeover with the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program serving.
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country member of Parliament John Weston made the announcement that the District of Sechelt's application for funding had been approved during a visit to the Coast on Friday, Aug 21.
Included in the improvements are a resurfacing of the court, construction of a new practice wall and new picnic tables and seats
Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster said the courts, which are the only public outdoor courts in Sechelt, would have had any improvements paid for by local taxpayers were it not for the RInC funding.
"The tennis courts in Sechelt very much needed some resurfacing and some work done around the areas around the courts and the District of Sechelt would have gone to the taxpayers for that as an important community amenity," said Inkster. "I'm glad the federal government has stepped forward to help us with that."
Inkster said the District identified the courts as a priority last summer when the courts were being renamed "L and J Brown Courts" in honour of two teachers Lee and Janice Brown who had passed away.
"Those teachers were not only well-known and liked teachers in the community, they were also well-known tennis instructors," he said.
Weston, an avid tennis player said the project was ideal for the District especially when it comes to the health of its residents.
"I used to have a tennis racket with me everywhere I went, anywhere in the world, because that was my passion in sports," said Weston. "Tennis is a great sport for a community like Sechelt because it enables people to stay healthy and involved in their community."
Inkster said he would accept the challenge of a friendly match on his home court with Weston but knows his work would be cut out for him.
"John's cardio is way better than mine, although my forehand is pretty good," Inkster said.
