Community Engagement and Growth
Following the completion of new courts in 2023, the NPAA’s president, Ted Euchner, notes a surge in interest among younger residents. “I can see the [Kin Park] courts out my back door,” said Euchner. “There’s four courts, they were all busy.” Euchner points out that pickleball’s reputation as a sport for older adults is evolving, with fresh faces joining the game.
From Gymnasiums to Dedicated Courts
Pickleball, which originated in the mid-1960s, has seen explosive growth, boasting an estimated 8.9 million players globally as of 2023. Locally, the NPAA, formed in 2019, has transformed the District of Taylor’s tennis courts into dedicated pickleball facilities.
“We converted those three tennis courts into six pickleball courts.” – (Euchner)
What to Expect in Sessions
The bi-weekly sessions will cover the fundamentals of pickleball, including game rules, proper grip and handling of the paddle, forehand and backhand strokes, and serve techniques.
“By the time the session is over, we want to have them playing a game.” – (Euchner)
With the new sessions starting soon, Fort St. John is ready to offer residents a chance to embrace pickleball and experience its growing popularity firsthand.
News in Brief: Pickleball at Fort St. John
Fort St. John is set to kick off bi-weekly pickleball sessions at Kin Park, starting August 30 and running through October 1. Organized by the North Peace Pickleball Association (NPAA), these sessions will occur every second Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The initiative comes after the construction of new pickleball courts in 2023, which have sparked increased interest among younger residents. Led by NPAA President Ted Euchner, the sessions will cover game fundamentals, including rules, strokes, and serving techniques, aiming to get participants playing by the end of each session.
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