A popular beach volleyball club in Chatham will soon have a new place to play.
Chatham-Kent council has approved a parcel between the Chatham courthouse and the YMCA in Chatham for Chatham Beach Volleyball Inc. to use.
Administration recommended a 10-year lease with an annual rent of $6,000 plus tax for the property with a three per cent rate increase per year to ensure rates remain comparable with the private sector.
The lease would be automatically renewed for two additional five year terms unless it's terminated by either party, according to a staff report.
The site on Courthouse Lane is expected to have up to eight courts.
"Chatham-Kent, for many generations, has had a thriving volleyball community for children, youth, and adults. Chatham Beach Volleyball Inc. started in 2023, and they have tripled their registration numbers and have outgrown their current location," wrote staff.
Chatham Beach Volleyball Inc. will be the exclusive primary user of the beach volleyball courts, delivering youth skills and development programs, organizing adult leagues, and hosting a range of tournaments and games that help attract athletes and their families to the community.
The club would be solely responsible to pay for all construction, ongoing maintenance, and any modifications or alterations to the leased parcel and beach volleyball courts.
The lease agreement would also reduce the municipality’s grass cutting expense for the parcel by approximately $1,461 annually.
CK council approved the motion unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
