Town council voted Monday night to put the tournament, which is part of the Kensington Harvest Festival, into the Association’s hands.
The popular event had previously been hosted and organized by the Kesington Club, however, its future became uncertain after the lounge closed in August of 2014.
After the closure the town inherited the related volleyball equipment and has since received two proposals to take over the event. One plan was from the association, the other was from Family and Friends Restaurant.
The town ultimately decided to take the association’s offer, which stipulates the latter will pay for the construction and related installation of three permanent outdoor volleyball courts adjacent to the fire hall, located at 16 Gerald MacCarville Drive; while the town agrees to take over all long-term maintenance of the courts.
In it’s proposal, the association also notes that it would like to expand the events held at the courts to include a provincial, and eventually regional, fireman’s volleyball tournament. It also notes that talks could be opened up with local schools to use the facility as well.
Coincidentally, the fire hall property is zoned M1, which, under the town’s current Development Control Bylaw, does not allow for parkland or recreational spaces.
In order to accommodate the courts, and clear up any future confusion as to where parks or public green spaces can be built, council also voted to amend the bylaw to allow parks in all development zones.
@JournalPMacLean
