In a strange way, COVID-19 saved North Burnaby’s Kensington pitch and putt golf course from being radically redesigned into a nine-hole “executive” course.
That’s according to a statement from the City of Burnaby in response to my questions and my recent column on the subject.
There are plans on the books to change the Kensington course at a cost of $2,780,400 and some people who golf there don’t want it changed – just fixed up.
In response to my questions, the city said the project has been “paused” because Kensington has turned into a hot spot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pre-pandemic, activity at City’s two pitch & putts (Kensington and Central Park) had been steadily declining over the past 10-15 years,” reads the statement. “We saw an opportunity to offer a new, better and more marketable product (executive nine hole course) on the same footprint at Kensington, which would reverse that trend without significant cost increase to the consumer. Our objective in considering this conversion was to offer a golf product between a pitch & putt and a full-sized course, offering opportunities for younger players who are developing right through to older players who are seeking alternatives to a longer course.
“Staff discussed this opportunity with City Council a few years ago. Funds were allocated for preliminary design work and for construction in future years, should they agree that the project could proceed. During the pandemic, rounds at the City’s pitch & putts increased significantly as one of the few recreational offerings available. This prompted us to pause our course conversion plans.”
So, that leaves the question of what happens next.
“We will be tracking activity at Kensington post-pandemic and through 2022 to determine whether we will upgrade the course and continue to operate it as a pitch & putt, or whether those upgrades will include converting Kensington to an executive nine hole course. If the City decides to pursue a conversion of the course, we would consult with the community in order to understand any concerns and share the results of the consultation with Council, before making a decision to proceed.”
Fair enough.
As much as I love Kensington, I’m not necessarily against the changes, although many others disagree.
“It would be sad to lose such a place for seniors and new golfers looking to get into the game and enjoy a relaxing day,” wrote T.K. after my column last week. “There are few facilities like Kensington.”
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
