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Ballers rallying community spirit and putting in a little elbow grease have given Jasper a new summer volleyball league.
Winter indoor volleyball has a handful of loyal players, but they go their separate ways when the snow melts with nowhere to play outdoors.
Jasper Park Lodge’s outdoor courts have been turned into a parking lot and the Fitness Centre’s were unkempt, unused and overgrown.
But one player, Elizabeth McLachlan, was keen to keep the sport going.
She said: “Volleyball has always been my favourite sport.
“It’s the kind of sport that’s not only good for your body but for your soul as well.
“In a town like Jasper, that is so supportive and community based it was a no-brainer to want to continue our small league into the summer as well as expand it as much as possible.”
McLachlan drafted a budget for sand, labour and other costs to get the courts at the Fitness Centre fixed up.
The Culture and Recreation department declined her proposal, but McLachlan didn’t take no for an answer.
McLachlan sought out Jeremy Todgham, manager of the Fitness Centre, and asked what needed to be done to get the courts opened up.
Todgham told her all she needed was to prove to him that there was a need and want for the courts.
“I went home and put a posting on the Jasper Buy, Sell and Trade page and got an overwhelming response of people who said they would love to play if there was somewhere available,” McLachlan said.
She took Todgham that information and a list of volunteers to start de-weeding the courts - and one court was up and running just a few days later.
“Once that first court was up and ready it was an incredible feeling of accomplishment I’m not sure I’ve ever felt before,” McLachlan said.
“It feels amazing to see it all come to fruition and see everyone being out there, laughing, having a great time and doing something they love as much as I do.
“It’s been very inspiring and positive to feel the support from so many people in the community.”
Both Fitness Centre courts are now cleared and opened and league’s first four-on-four tournament was held on Friday with seven teams and more than 30 players.
The drop-in fee for volleyball is $2.35 for those without a membership. Details can be found on the Jasper Volleyball League Facebook page.
