A Rocky Mountain House resident is donating part of his land in hopes of establishing pickleball courts for the community to use.

Brent Kennedy attended the June 7, 2022 council meeting and presented a proposal and draft agreement to build a pickleball court facility on land he currently owns.

The proposal would involve the subdivision and rezoning of the lots identified for the project. Administration says it has been working with Kennedy to ensure that all of the proper documentation and processes are in place to possibly move forward with the project if council gives its approval.

Kennedy said he would like to move forward in a timely manner in order to construct the facility by late summer and have it ready for use this fall. Town officials are working with Kennedy to update the agreement for the development of the new pickleball courts.

Kennedy noted he would like the pickleball courts maintained in perpetuity, so administration will be changing the land designation to municipal reserves during subdivision which means the land will always be designated for recreational use.

Town officials say a resolution to this clause will be required to finalize the agreement. Administration is looking for clarification on this clause, however, as the current options are for 25 years or in perpetuity.

Kennedy says the goal is to ensure the property is always used for recreation of some type, but to not limit future council’s ability to change the type of recreational use in the event that pickleball sports are no longer used. At this time, administration is working with Kennedy while both legal teams are reviewing the proposed document to ensure it conveys the proper intention.

Mayor Debbie Baich put forward a motion to move forward with construction of the pickleball courts, with the motion unanimously approved by council. The deal, however, will be proposed to Kennedy before any construction begins, say Town officials.