Housing, indoor pickleball court under consideration for Carnarvon Park

Oak Bay is moving forward with its planned refresh of Carnarvon Park and wants the public’s input on four potential options for revitalizing its main building.

In 2018, it was found that the park’s facilities needed extensive repairs: The tennis courts, main building, and lacrosse box had all reached their lifespan. The project was put on ice during the pandemic but was restored to focus last year.

In Jan., Oak Bay’s council selected Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects Inc. to design the project. Having narrowed down potential plans, the park could get a new building similar in size to the existing facility or a much larger pavilion, akin to the one at Windsor Park, with space for childcare—an amenity once offered at Carnarvon—and additional community spaces. There’s also the possibility of a large indoor pickleball facility, with affordable housing above.

Residents have until Friday, May 10 to fill out the survey and vote their option. These plans are only in the idea stage, and will likely change based on feedback.

Options for the plan include:

• Downsized field house amenity building: Single-story building with a concession stand, universal washroom, two team change rooms, mechanical room, and storage. Three tennis courts, five pickleball courts, and a large outdoor plaza space.

Graphic: District of Oak Bay

• Pavilion with community room: Single-story building with a community room, concession stand, universal washroom, two team change rooms, mechanical room, and small office. Includes a new parking lot, two tennis courts, five pickleball courts, and a smaller outdoor plaza space.

Graphic: District of Oak Bay

• Large pavilion with child-care facility: Two-story building with child-care component, a community room, concession stand, universal washroom, two team change rooms, storage, and a small office. The park includes three tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a large outdoor plaza, smaller adventure playground, and an all-wheels/multi-sport area.

Graphic: District of Oak Bay

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• ‍ Rental Housing: Three-story building with 24 affordable housing units, built above an indoor, year-round pickleball court. Two tennis courts, five indoor pickleball courts, and an outdoor plaza. Housing would face Henderson, where the pickleball courts and lacrosse box currently exist.

Graphic: District of Oak Bay