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Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith reached a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Lot 108.
On June 30, Mayor and Council held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new pickleball courts and celebrate the upcoming completion of the Lot 108 Phase 2 Implementation Plan.
Phase 2 upgrades, identified in the Town's 2019 Lot 108 Park Plan, include pickleball courts, a bike skills park, outdoor fitness equipment, and a perimeter trail.
“These upgrades mark a major milestone in realizing Ladysmith’s long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and multi-use community park at Forrest Field,” says Mayor Deena Beeston. “The Town of Ladysmith is firmly committed to providing spaces that promote active lifestyles, support recreation for residents of all ages, and foster opportunities for social connection and outdoor enjoyment.”
The outdoor pickleball court facility, located adjacent to the Forrest Field practice pitch, contains four courts that are available from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be rented out.
The bike park, scheduled for completion in July and accessible via Jim Cram Drive, features approximately 2,300 square metres of dirt track designed to support riders of all skill levels and a variety of bike types, except for motorized or electric bikes, which are not permitted.
Installed in late 2025, the outdoor fitness area features an array of equipment including tai chi wheels, upper and lower body workout machines, a core station, chinning rings, and a jump-touch station.
The Phase 2 upgrades represent a $990,072 investment in community recreation and active living, with $607,071 coming from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), a permanent source of federal funding for local infrastructure administered by the Union of BC Municipalities. The remaining project costs are being funded from the Town's Parks Reserve and Development Cost Charges.
Families and residents in Ladysmith are gaining new places to stay active, connect with others, and spend time outdoors. These kinds of investments make a real difference in people’s day-to-day lives, helping ensure everyone has access to welcoming, accessible areas close to home,” says Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside.
“Investing in community spaces helps bring people together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. Through the Build Communities Strong Fund, we’re proud to support projects that make communities healthier and more connected. These new amenities will benefit Ladysmith residents for years to come and show what can be achieved when partners work together to meet local needs,” says Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke.
The Lot 108 Park Plan was adopted by Council in 2019 to enhance sports facilities and community amenities at Forrest Field through a phased implementation. Phase 1 upgrades, which were completed in 2024, included an accessible walkway, parking improvements along 4th Avenue, and the installation of a warm-up practice pitch beside Forrest Field.
Future amenities planned for Lot 108 include a multi-sports court that can be used for basketball or ball hockey, volleyball courts, central plaza, parks service building, community garden and enhanced parking. Related Images Councillor Ray Gourlay, Mayor Deena Beeston and Councillor Tricia McKay officially opened the pickleball courts at Lot 108 (Forrest Field) on June 30, 2026. (Town of Ladysmith)
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.