Lethbridge Welcomes Pickle Point: A New Era for Indoor Pickleball

Lethbridge Welcomes Pickle Point: A new indoor pickleball facility has opened in Lethbridge, marking a milestone for southern Alberta. Pickle Point, a 20,000-square-foot venue, offers eight permanent courts available for members and drop-ins year-round.

The new facility aims to meet the rising demand for pickleball in the region, providing a dedicated space for players.

“Facilities like this have waitlists in Calgary and Edmonton, but in Lethbridge we’re a little behind the curve, but it’s definitely growing,”. “It’s growing in youth, and the average age is like 45-years-old in Lethbridge.”(Adriana Mercader, owner and founder of Pickle Point)

Meeting the Demand for Pickleball

With nearly 1.4 million people playing pickleball at least once a month in Canada, the sport’s rapid growth has created the need for specialized facilities. Pickle Point, which opened on December 7, is the first indoor facility in southern Alberta built solely for pickleball.

This venue provides a chance for players to develop their skills in a professional environment. Julian Sanchez, a competitive player, and coach at the new center, said,

“This is a lovely opportunity to develop my skills and help other people increase their skill levels and even introduce pickleball to them.”(Julian Sanchez)

Expanding Opportunities for Players

Pickle Point is not just for Lethbridge residents; it’s attracting players from nearby communities like Raymond and Magrath.

“We’re targeting southern Alberta,” (Adriana Mercader),

noting the facility’s role in drawing players from across the region.

The facility offers various programs, including round robins, intermediate-to-advanced clinics, and full morning and evening sessions.

Benefits of Playing Pickleball

Pickleball, which combines elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, has become increasingly popular due to its low-impact nature. Sanchez emphasized the sport’s accessibility, saying,

“This is a very low-impact sport, so if you’re worried about an injury or anything like that, it’s a great way to ease back into physical activity.”(Julian Sanchez)

Growing the Sport

Lethbridge has been expanding its pickleball infrastructure to keep up with growing demand. The city’s Legacy Park already has six outdoor courts, and an additional six outdoor courts were opened last year.

Pickle Point offers a unique experience, with professionally built indoor courts designed for permanent use.

“We’re an indoor facility but we have outdoor courts, so the bounce is different, the grade is different, and we’re professionally built with permanent nets,” (Adriana Mercader).

The new facility promises to help pickleball continue to grow in southern Alberta, providing a space for players of all ages to enjoy the sport.