Invermere District’s Pickleball Court: The Invermere District Council decided not to change the current schedule for shared court use at Mount Nelson Athletic Park. This decision came after the Invermere Pickleball Club asked for more reserved time on Friday mornings and some day and evening slots during a May 13 meeting.
The council stuck with its existing schedule, which was created after past conflicts between basketball and pickleball players. The schedule gives several weekday mornings to pickleball and one to basketball. It was set to avoid more disputes like those seen in the summer of 2023.
Past Conflicts and Court Use History
In 2022, pickleball players showed up at multiple council meetings, asking for more playing space. Those meetings were tense, with sharp comments and strong emotions.
By 2023, the tension had grown. Pickleball and basketball players clashed over court time, and the district responded by creating a set summer schedule. The goal was to give everyone some time, even if it didn’t fully satisfy all groups.
Latest Request and Council Response
During the May 13 meeting, members of the Invermere Pickleball Club again asked for more access. But this time, the conversation was polite and respectful.
Still, the council wasn’t willing to reopen the debate. Councillor Grant Kelly reminded everyone that making the current schedule took time and involved many different groups.
“To open it up to any more … I’m not sure we should do that without again consulting some of those other (user) groups. I’m hesitant to deviate from the balance we’ve struck.” – (Grant Kelly)
Councillor Kayja Becker agreed that court space is tight. She said the district hopes to build more courts, but that will take time.
“There is a court crunch,” said Kayja Becker. She added, “The sharing model we have is pretty good.” She also noted that evenings are busy and did not want to reserve them for just one group.
Why It Matters and What’s Next
The council’s decision means the current court-sharing plan stays in place for now. It shows the challenge of balancing the needs of growing sports like pickleball with other community activities. New courts may come in the future, but for now, players must continue sharing.
News in Brief: Invermere District’s Pickleball Court
The Invermere District Council has chosen not to change the current court-sharing schedule at Mount Nelson Athletic Park, following a May 13 request by the Invermere Pickleball Club. Councillors said the existing balance works for now and noted that building new courts will take time.
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