A new fully accessible washroom/storage building at Jack Bagley Community Park opened for public use earlier this year. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

park improvements

Phase one complete of Nanoose Bay outdoor multi-sport venue

May 2, 2024 | 4:43 PM

NANOOSE BAY — A new washroom, storage building and gathering space now complements a paved sports court at Jack Bagley Community Park (JBCP).

The new building opened earlier this year for community use, featuring two unisex fully accessible washrooms, storage room and covered gathering area. A paved plaza includes several picnic tables.

Nanoose Bay Area E director Bob Rodgers called the washroom and storage building an important pillar in supporting the expanded features of the park.

“The storage rooms are important from a point of view for all of the sports, whether it be equipment and nets for pickleball, or whether it be something for soccer or for softball in the future as phase two goes on,” Rogers told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Accessible paths, as well as stairs, link to Jack Bagley Community Park. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Stairs and wheelchair accessible paths connect to JBCP from Powder Point Rd. and adjacent Nanoose Place.

Located at the heart of Nanoose Bay’s commercial core, JBCP had five pickelball courts and a tennis court open in the fall of 2022.

A basketball hoop is also available inside the enclosed sports court.

Rogers said aside from designated bookings for the Nanoose Bay Pickleball Club, the community can freely take advantage of JBCP for casual use.

He said several years ago local pickleball enthusiasts pushed for a venue like reformed JBCP to become a reality.

“They have subsequently formed the Nanoose Bay Pickleball Club with well over 150 members, it (JBCP) gets actively used, it is very important to have that available. It was also important to have the washrooms.”

The federal government contributed $500,000 toward project costs, most of which were absorbed by the Electoral Area E Community Works Fund.

The RDN intends to begin phase two of JBCP improvements later this year by creating a new ball diamond and half-sized soccer field.

A public celebration ceremony for the completion of phase one enhancements at JBCP happens on Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m.

A pickleball demonstration takes place at the ceremony to be attended by several Regional District of Nanaimo dignitaries.

Multi-use sports courts at Jack Bagley Community Park can be booked for formal user groups and is free for casual users. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes