Bonnyville’s aging tennis courts could be getting a new lease on life if the Town secures provincial grant funding.

At its June 9 meeting, council approved an application to the Alberta Blue Cross Built Together Grant Program and authorized a letter of support for the reconstruction of the tennis courts located at 4808 49 Street.

According to administration, the existing courts have reached the end of their useful life and require full reconstruction.

“The courts are reaching the end of their useful life and will require full reconstruction,” administration told council.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $200,000, based on pricing from the Town’s previous pickleball court project.

Council heard the Town has already earmarked approximately $120,000 toward the project through previous budget allocations. If the grant application is successful, the remaining balance would be funded through future budget years.

The application is being submitted through Alberta Blue Cross’s Built Together Grant Program, which supports recreation and wellness infrastructure projects in communities across the province.

During the discussion, councillors explored whether the rebuilt facility could potentially serve more than one purpose.

Councillor Phil Kushnir asked whether the courts could be designed to accommodate pickleball in addition to tennis, given the sport’s growing popularity locally.

Administration indicated that the possibility could be explored as planning moves forward.

“I don’t have the answer right now, but I would think it’s within the realm of possibility,” administration said. “They’re pretty similar uses, I would say.”

The existing courts are located on land owned by Northern Lights School Division and are used by local residents, schools, youth programming and recreational users throughout the community.

In its letter of support, the Town noted the courts have long served as an important outdoor recreation space while promoting active lifestyles and community wellness.

Council ultimately approved the grant application and accompanying letter of support unanimously.

If funding is secured, the project could move ahead sooner than originally anticipated, helping ensure tennis and potentially other court sports remain available to residents for years to come.