The city of Coquitlam is launching a feasibility study to determine whether more tennis courts, including a tournament-level facility, should be built here.
With the growing popularity of the sport, there is a limited number of indoor courts and staff said expansion of tennis facilities could be a good long-term investment for the city.
Conducting a study would require $10,000 from the city's recreation capital fund, which staff expect would be matched by Tennis Canada. There are currently 35 tennis courts in the municipality and the feasibility study would determine sites for future courts and the feasibility and potential location of a tournament facility.
Consultations will take place between the city and local tennis groups but councillors said they would like to hear the opinions of everyday court users.
"I want to get everyone's ideas," said Coun. Mae Reid. "Quite often, we seek input from our sports groups... but I want to make sure this is really inclusive."
The study will also look at the number of Coquitlam residents who travel outside of the municipality in order to play tennis at neighbouring facilities. A similar study in Vancouver found that 50% of respondents would play tennis more often if courts were more accessible.
Coquitlam staff said the study will take several months to complete and expect to present their findings to council in the winter.
EXISTING TENNIS COURTS IN COQUITLAM
Park No. of Courts
Blue Mountain 3
Bramble 3
Burquitlam 2
Eagle Ridge 4
Hickey Street 6
Mackin 2.5
Mariner 2
Panorama 2
Poirier rec 2.5
Town Centre 8.5
TOTAL 35.5
