Pickleball Takes Centre Stage in Langley: Langley Township Council has approved the construction of 12 new fenced and lighted pickleball courts at the Langley Events Centre, addressing the growing demand for facilities dedicated to the fast-growing sport. The existing tennis courts at this location will be relocated to Yorkson Community Park near the Langley Tennis Centre.
Expanding Pickleball Facilities
Mayor Eric Woodward confirmed that the new courts were part of a long-standing plan that had been delayed due to funding issues. He added that plans for an additional 16 courts, already pre-approved, are underway with an expected opening in spring or summer 2025.
“In addition to these 12 new pickleball courts, I am working with staff on more options.” – (Woodward)
- Features of New Courts:
- 12 fenced and lighted courts at Langley Events Centre.
- 16 additional courts are planned for 2025.
- Consideration of a roof for courts at McLeod Athletic Park to enable year-round play.
The McLeod location was chosen due to its distance from residential areas, minimizing potential noise concerns.
“I really appreciate the pickleball community’s patience as staff, Council and I have been working on a plan, getting it done, as promised.” – (Woodward)
A Growing Sport Sparks Debate
The decision to expand pickleball facilities followed a January 29 presentation by Bill Mercer, representing Langley’s pickleball community. Mercer urged the council to convert underused tennis courts, citing Canada’s rapid growth in pickleball.
However, tennis advocates opposed the proposal. On March 11, Lionel Anker and Drew Gauntley argued for balanced development, favouring new courts over converting tennis courts.
“A wet tennis ball is not what keeps us from playing tennis in the winter, rather it is a safety issue.” – (Lionel Anker)
“We should consider empty tennis courts as we do for empty baseball diamonds and soccer fields and respect that there are not always games going on, especially in the winter months.” – (Lionel Anker)
- Key Arguments from Tennis Players:
- Empty courts are not necessarily underused but reflect seasonal changes.
- Both sports should have dedicated spaces to prevent competition over facilities.
Future Prospects and Partnerships
In addition to outdoor courts, the council approved the inclusion of a third gymnasium in the upcoming Willoughby Community Centre, designed to accommodate indoor racquet sports like pickleball. Discussions with the Langley School District about potential partnerships for shared court spaces are ongoing.
- Pickleball in Numbers:
- An estimated 1 million Canadians play pickleball monthly.
- Approximately 500,000 play four or more times a month.
Pickleball Canada has noted the sport’s remarkable rise in popularity, with its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis drawing in players of all ages.
News in Brief: Pickleball Takes Centre Stage in Langley
Langley Township Council approved 12 new pickleball courts at the Langley Events Centre, relocating existing tennis courts to Yorkson Community Park. Another 16 courts are planned for 2025, alongside the addition of an indoor facility at the Willoughby Community Centre. The move addresses growing demand but has sparked debate between tennis and pickleball communities over facility use.
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