Sidney council takes next steps in building multi-sport court at Philip Brethour Park

This week, Sidney council took the next steps towards building a multi-sport court at Philip Brethour Park. 

According to Town staff, Philip Brethour Park is a well-utilized community park in west Sidney, but currently lacks a hard surface sport court facility. 

Staff identified the need for the installation of a multi-sport court as a priority objective to expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. 

In February, Sidney issued a request for proposal (RFP), and six companies submitted bids for the project. 

The contract for the project has now been awarded to Five Star Paving Co. Ltd. for $262,660, plus tax. Their bid on the project was the lowest, with other companies’ bids ranging between $293,000 to $517,000. 

Sidney staff say that Five Star Paving is an established contractor with experience in municipal sport court construction. 

Part of the process included reviewing the firm’s reference projects, which were deemed positive. 

The full-size 60 foot by 120 foot court will allow residents to play tennis, basketball and road hockey on. The project explicitly excludes pickleball equipment.

“As a person who lived in that neighbourhood for many, many, many years, I think it’s great to allow the children in that area somewhere to go,” said Councillor Scott Garnett.

“I only wish that my kids had the same opportunity growing up, but it’s great to see it moving forward—it’s a neighbourhood that’s in bad need of those kinds of activities for an amenity.”

It will be oriented north-south, which is consistent with best practices for solar positioning. 

Sidney staff noted that the layout is also designed to accommodate a future washroom facility.  

Next steps will see Town staff create a webpage on the project to provide more details to residents surrounding the construction. 

As of this publication, no timeline has been given for the project’s completion.