Westshore Parks Unveils New Pickleball Courts: Westshore Parks and Recreation officially opened its new outdoor pickleball courts on the morning of Friday, June 13, 2025. Despite cool weather, local leaders and guests gathered for the ribbon-cutting and to play a few rounds on the newly completed courts in Colwood, British Columbia.
Grand Opening Celebration
The event featured short speeches from several key figures, including Westshore Parks and Recreation Board Chair Kimberley Guiry, who is also a City of Langford councillor, and Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. Remarks were also delivered by Westshore Parks and Recreation Chief Administrative Officer Grant Brown, Operations Manager Ron Dietrich, and Rory Dellow from Tomko Sports, the design contractor.
The ribbon-cutting included Metchosin Mayor Marie-Terese Little and Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. Joining the opening match were Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi and Colwood Councillors David Grove, Dean Jantzen, Misty Olsen, and Ian Ward. Also participating were Metchosin Councillor Shelly Donaldson and Langford Councillors Colby Harder and Lillian Szpak.
Other guests included Langford Councillor Colby Harder, View Royal Councillor Alison MacKenzie, Highlands Councillor Leslie Anderson, and Langford Chief Administrative Officer Darren Kiedyk.
Project Planning and Background
The new courts were built after a feasibility study was done in July 2023. The best location on the Westshore Parks and Recreation property was chosen to reduce costs and impact.
Kimberley Guiry said the courts are part of “enhancing recreational opportunities and meeting the evolving needs of our community.”
At the June 12 Annual General Meeting, representatives from the five municipalities that support the facility—Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, View Royal, and Highlands—attended. These included Mayor Scott Goodmanson (Langford), Councillor Dean Jantzen (Colwood), Mayor Marie-Terese Little (Metchosin), Mayor Sid Tobias (View Royal), and Mayor Ken Williams (Highlands).
Mayor Marie-Terese Little shared her hope that Metchosin residents will use the facility and nearby Juan de Fuca Library more, as Metchosin contributes $435,000 annually to Westshore Parks and Recreation.
Scott Goodmanson explained that most users and funding come from Langford. He noted that the Leisure Involvement For Everyone (LIFE) program, supported by the province, helps many low-income residents.
“Staff notes that the level of LIFE use for recreation pass support is up across the Greater Victoria region in the last few years.”
Courts Designed for Growth
Pickleball is becoming very popular, and Westshore Parks and Recreation responded by adding four dedicated courts, while still keeping some shared-use courts for tennis. Construction started in February 2025 and finished in May.
“inspire residents to move, learn and play for life as well as the WSPR mission to provide diverse, accessible recreation and sport opportunities for west shore residents.”(Grant Brown)
The court design was based on both research and visits to other sites. The low fencing allows for easy viewing by spectators. The Westshore Parks and Recreation parks team prepared the site and added landscaping. Tennis courts nearby also received some updates.
Brown gave credit to Parks Supervisor Brian Wood, Arena Events Coordinator Ron Wilson, and Operations Manager Ron Dietrich for their teamwork.
Rory Dellow from Tomko Sports explained the construction included a 2-inch asphalt base and five coats of plexi material. Work was also done by Five Star Paving, Summit Survey, and a fencing company.
The Greater Victoria Pickleball Association also helped by giving feedback and suggestions.
“The decisions around the pickleball location and development were grounded in fiscal responsibility and community benefit.”(Kimberley Guiry)
Public Access and Court Use
The pickleball courts are open every day from morning until dusk. Courts 1 to 4 can be reserved online for $16 per two-hour session. Courts 5 and 6 are for drop-in play only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Players can make online bookings through the Westshore Parks and Recreation website.
There are also indoor courts available for pickleball at the same location.
Upcoming Tournament in July
Westshore Parks and Recreation will host its first-ever “Paddle Royale” Pickleball Tournament on July 5, 2025. The event will welcome beginner and intermediate players for a fun day of matches. The tournament includes men’s and women’s doubles matches in the 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 skill levels.
Participants can expect prizes, refreshments, and a lively environment to enjoy the sport and build community connections.
News in Brief: Westshore Parks Unveils New Pickleball Courts
New outdoor pickleball courts have opened at Westshore Parks and Recreation in Colwood. The June 13 ribbon-cutting featured speeches and a friendly game among local leaders. With six courts, daily access, and an upcoming tournament, the facility supports West Shore’s growing interest in pickleball.
ALSO READ: Kamloops Pickleball Court Shortage: Calls for Indoor Facilities Grow