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The funky new public art pieces in Jack Purcell Park that look like giant badminton racquets are a clever way to pay homage to the celebrated world champion.

Purcell was a badminton icon in Canada, winning five consecutive national championships and securing a spot in the Sports Hall of Fame.

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Though he died in 1991, his spirit lives on, and Converse sneakers still bear his name.

Purcell is as worthy as any famous Canadian athlete to have something named for him.

The only problem is the Jack Purcell of badminton fame was from Guelph, Ont.; the Jack Purcell for whom the Elgin Street community centre and adjacent park were named after was actually a longtime Ottawa resident known for mending hockey sticks for children in his Centretown neighbourhood.

“I’m sure people are wondering what in heaven’s names are these things,” said Diane Holmes, the Somerset ward councillor.

She suggested it’s possible the architectural company hired to complete the park’s $525,000 makeover — which began last July and is nearly done — did some basic online research, found the stuff about the badminton player and used it as inspiration.