$3M tennis and pickleball facility breaks ground

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This article was published 10/12/2024 (478 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Site work is underway for the new $3 million Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub located at 1201 Pacific Avenue, marking a “significant step” toward revitalizing downtown Brandon and expanding recreational opportunities for residents.

Queen City Pickleball Hub owner and facility lead investor Phil Greenwood told the Sun that a warm and welcoming community had influenced his choice to establish the hub in the Wheat City.

“I had several cities that I was reaching out to around Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and North Dakota, but it was the people of Brandon that made the difference,” he said in an interview on Monday.

“Not just the pickleball community but everyone treated me exceptionally well — city employees, the Mayor, and councillors. I appreciate local advocate Charlene Wiseman for her efforts in bringing the $3 million project to fruition.”

He said the project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

“The nearly 40,000-square-foot facility will feature 14 pickleball courts, with the option to convert some into tennis courts, as well as amenities, such as change rooms, showers, an exercise room, a hot tub, a sauna, and even a cold plunge. It’s just a good social place for people to come,” Greenwood said.

Concept Homes Construction, a partner in the project and co-owner with a 25 per cent stake, will manage the build.

Owner Joel Schultz told the Sun his company is proud to contribute to downtown Brandon’s revitalization.

“It’s humbling to be part of reshaping the landscape of the city,” he said. “We’re working on all our local relationships and getting the supplies here. We’re handling everything, including managing the procurement of materials, obtaining permits, and coordinating engineering efforts so that they just have to focus on the building.”

Commenting on potential project challenges, Schultz cited the city’s weather as the main obstacle.

“It’s cold. The site is nice and clean. The guys are working hard. They put in more hours than anyone I’ve met. As far as challenges, just the weather, honestly.”

Jackie Jacobson, a champion of the local pickleball community, also highlighted the facility’s significance, given Brandon’s long winters.

“This gives us another opportunity to play and participate, whether you’re a working person or free during the day,” she said, adding that pickleball is a sport anyone can enjoy.

Downtown BIZ executive director Emmy Sanderson called the facility “fantastic” for both the local sports community and downtown revitalization efforts.

“It’s a huge boon to have a dedicated indoor space, and it increases opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active year-round,” Sanderson said.

Brandon Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC) executive director Emmanuel Ahaneku said he is excited about the transformative potential of the Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub.

The facility, he said, could significantly increase pedestrian activity and economic growth in downtown Brandon.

“This investment can simultaneously increase home values in the downtown neighbourhood, generate more sales for local businesses, and attract new jobs and employees,” Ahaneku said on Monday. “The project (is also) aligned with the Downtown Brandon Secondary Plan, particularly its goals for revitalization. This project will be a game-changer for us.”

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Sun the city’s involvement in the project was limited to selling the land to developers for $1 as part of its effort to demonstrate the city’s commitment to fostering community development.

“The location was city-owned land and had returned to municipal control after previous plans by other groups fell through,” he said in an interview. “It was a good opportunity for the city to utilize land in downtown for something that could be used by everybody.”

Fawcett expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including the developers and the local pickleball community, who played a key role in advocating for the project, “There’s a lot of people working together, and today is a good example of why we want to do things inside in the winter.”

The City of Brandon has designated the project site as a community revitalization property, which includes the land sale and a 10-year 100 per cent incremental municipal tax reduction, a press release issued by the city on Monday said.

The release added the hub is expected to attract substantial foot traffic, with projections ranging from 12,000 visitors in the first year to nearly 60,000 by the tenth year.

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