The ground-breaking event held last Saturday by the Suncoast Racquet Club (SRC) was the culmination of work from many individuals past and present and the generous financial support of local individuals and businesses.
The SRC has been a fixture in Sechelt for many years. It was registered as a non-profit society on October 15, 1991 and until recently was located at the Wakefield Inn site. The tennis courts were located under an inflated bubble owned by the Wakefield Inn and were maintained and operated by the SRC during its 14-year tenure at the site.
Since the bubble was dismantled and the Wakefield Inn was demolished to pave way for a new development, the SRC has been actively working on the goal of a new covered tennis facility in Sechelt at the arena site. The facility will be public access, featuring drop-in play, senior, youth and school programs. It will be run and supported by the SRC through volunteers and its monthly membership fees.
The SRC has an approved site and a lease agreement with the District of Sechelt for the new facility on a lot adjacent to the Sunshine Coast Arena. The site is large enough to accommodate a two-court indoor facility, a club house containing changing rooms, showers, office and lounge area, plus parking facilities. It is also sufficient in size for the future addition of two more indoor courts. The SRC's business plan requires the lease of the actual covered building, which will be funded and supported through the monthly membership fees. The building type will be a metal clad/metal frame. The fundraising requirements are to meet the start-up and capital costs of in-ground infrastructure, such as services, paved courts, driveways, foundations and fixtures in the building such as lighting and plumbing.
The SRC is at the point where the fundraising allows construction to begin in order to prepare the site for erecting the actual building. The SRC has short-listed building suppliers, and final calls for proposals have been sent to three companies requesting detailed specifications and final bid prices. Land clearing is set to begin during April and will be carried out by WestCoast Mining Contractors Ltd. SRC has also engaged Mike Ryan of Fjord Design as the project manager. The proposed opening date is Saturday, Nov. 4.
Fundraising and the membership drive continues. Anyone interested in helping with this project or becoming a member can call 604-885-6440 or email [email protected].
