Covered Pickleball Courts Coming to Central Saanich: Central Saanich is set to elevate its pickleball offerings with the development of a new multi-sport facility at Centennial Park, anticipated to open next year. This new facility will replace the existing 40-year-old lacrosse box on Wallace Drive and promises to enhance the region’s pickleball infrastructure significantly. The facility’s design features a covered, open-air sports box, allowing for all-weather play throughout the year—a crucial upgrade for the rapidly growing sport.
The play surface will span 17,000 square feet and be coated with acrylic to improve visual accessibility, ensuring a better experience for players of all levels.
Community Enthusiasm and Impact
Niall Paltiel, chair of the Peninsula Recreation Commission (PRC), emphasized the positive impact of the new facility on the local community.
“The multi-sport facility will offer an excellent playing experience for pickleball … The sport box, with its cover and light features, will provide year-round enjoyment for all and have a lasting positive impact for generations to come.” – (Paltiel)
The enthusiasm for pickleball has been evident in Greater Victoria, with recent debates highlighting its rising popularity. The Central Saanich facility is expected to address this demand by providing a dedicated space for the sport.
Regional Pickleball Boom
The popularity of pickleball has surged across Greater Victoria, evidenced by recent developments. Following a heated debate in North Saanich over court reopenings, the sport’s regional strategy was updated in July 2023 to manage its growing appeal.
Additionally, the Victoria Pickleball Centre has responded to the surge by adding indoor courts in Langford and outdoor courts at the Uptown Shopping Centre in Saanich. These additions reflect the sport’s rapid expansion and the increasing need for more facilities.
Funding and Future Plans
The new Central Saanich pickleball facility will cost approximately $4.9 million. Funding is provided by a $2 million grant from the Federal Government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and $2.9 million from the PRC’s capital plan. Construction will start this summer, with completion slated for 2025.
The project includes demolishing the old lacrosse box and installing new dasher boards, team benches, a scoreboard, and lighting. The PRC will also manage additional amenities such as a field house and picnic shelters under a 60-year lease beginning in January.
“I am so proud of the District of Central Saanich for securing the federal grant funding, and I commend the Peninsula Recreation Commission and staff for their dedication in bringing this project from conception to reality.” – (Paltiel)
News in Brief: Covered Pickleball Courts Coming to Central Saanich
Central Saanich is advancing a new pickleball facility at Centennial Park, set to open next year. Replacing a 40-year-old lacrosse box, the modern facility will feature a covered, open-air design with a 17,000-square-foot acrylic play surface, allowing year-round play.
This $4.9 million project, funded by a $2 million federal grant and $2.9 million from the PRC’s capital plan, aims to address the growing demand for pickleball in Greater Victoria. Construction begins this summer and is expected to be completed by 2025, including additional amenities like a field house and picnic shelters.
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