Beach volleyball is not an activity that garners a lot of interest from residents in Powell River, according to city director of parks, recreation and culture Ray Boogaards.
But that’s what was said about disc golf and there are lineups at the Larry Gouthro and Sunset Park courses.
Now mayor and council, youth council, parks and recreation, Powell River Volleyball Association and School District 47 are taking up the cause of beach volleyball.
“We’re hoping to bring volleyball courts to Powell River and we think it will be strongly supported, but what’s the best location for it?” said school district superintendent Jay Yule, who represented the district and Powell River Volleyball Association at the committee of the whole meeting on June 5.
Yule said the volleyball association thinks the best place is the south parking area at Willingdon Beach.
The city’s youth council agreed, saying it was a fantastic location, according to city councillor CaroleAnn Leishman.
Youth council passed a motion at its last meeting of the year, recommending that the Willingdon location is ideal for proper courts and that city staff should be directed to remove all the gravel on the lot and plant grass throughout the area for the purpose of creating a multi-sport recreation field for numerous activities, including beach volleyball.
The sport requires special sand and construction for official competitive courts. What currently exists at Willingdon Beach does not meet those standards.
Willingdon is not the right spot, according to Boogaards.
“The suggestion of Willingdon Beach is not recommended by staff,” said Boogaards at the June 5 meeting. “This is a space being used by a number of groups throughout the summer months and at the same time period as beach volleyball would be using it. We’re losing more and more of that space for special events.”
Boogaards recommended to council that his department meet with community stakeholders to determine the best course of action, find the best suitable location and report to council.
Mowat Bay is an option, according to Boogaards, and Yule said he is open to that location.
“There’s beach volleyball courts in almost every city,” said Yule. “It’s a growing sport. Our students play in provincial and high school championships but we’re at a huge disadvantage because we have no courts.”
Brooks Secondary School volleyball players Katie Trevisanutto, 16, and Quinn Elzer, 16, said Powell River needs courts.
“People will come out more to play,” said Elzer. “It’s super fun and really easy. Just come down to a beach for a few hours and hit the ball around.”
But Elzer added that the city needs far better courts than the one currently at the beach.
Trevisanutto, who has competed at tournaments in Parksville, where they have 18 courts and a rigorous program, said Powell River’s only court at Willingdon Beach is unsuitable for competitive events.
“We definitely need one here,” said Trevisanutto. “It would spark interest more because everyone plays court volleyball and there isn’t a lot of competitive interest toward beach even though it’s really a great game. I’ll have a place to practice without being worried about getting scrapes from these nasty rocks.”
