Pickleball Growth in Qualicum Beach: The Qualicum Beach Pickleball Club has been advised to concentrate on raising funds for designated pickleball courts rather than modifying existing tennis courts. During a council meeting on March 12, town officials reaffirmed their decision to build dedicated courts and rejected a request to temporarily use the Veterans Way tennis courts for pickleball.
Request to Use Tennis Courts Denied
The club had proposed using Court No. 2 of the tennis courts with temporary pickleball markings and painting permanent lines on Court No. 3 to create four outdoor pickleball courts. With resurfacing scheduled this year, they argued it was an opportune time to make adjustments. Approximately 20 players had pledged $100 each toward the estimated $50,000 resurfacing cost.
However, Mayor Teunis Westbroek reiterated that the council had previously decided against modifying the tennis courts. Instead, he urged the club to focus on developing the designated pickleball courts near the Qualicum Beach Skatepark, a site already allocated for the project.
Push for Fundraising Efforts
Last year, council allocated $85,000 in the 2024 budget for the new pickleball courts, depending on the club matching the funds through fundraising. In September, the club expressed difficulty in meeting this requirement and instead proposed modifying the tennis courts, a suggestion opposed by the Arrowsmith Tennis Club.
Westbroek encouraged the club to start fundraising efforts, adding that he and club member Judy Wood would personally donate to the project. To boost awareness and support, he suggested making the proposed site public.
“I think it would be good for the pickleball players to show that this is the location, here’s how we can raise funds, send your money to the pickleball club … they should do their own marketing but I am just helping them, because this is where we need to go. We have money in the budget to help us cross the finish line.” – (Westbroek)
News in Brief: Pickleball Growth in Qualicum Beach
The Qualicum Beach Pickleball Club was urged by town council to focus on fundraising for designated courts rather than modifying tennis courts. The club’s request to use existing courts was denied. Council allocated $85,000 for the project, requiring the club to match funds. Mayor Westbroek pledged personal support to kickstart donations.
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