Spartanburg Dedicated Pickleball Courts Opening: The Sunshine Coast Pickleball Association is calling on the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to help them build or access a year-round facility for pickleball. On July 24, association leaders spoke at an SCRD board meeting, sharing that over 100,000 hours of pickleball were played locally in the past year.
The association is looking for either space in an existing building or help getting land to build new courts. Vice-president Brian Chipman and treasurer Carolyne Oughton said they are especially interested in two vacant spots — one near the Masonic Hall in Roberts Creek and another on Joe Road. The Joe Road site is privately owned and up for sale.
Both locations would need to be rezoned for sports use. Chipman and Oughton asked the board to consider helping with that. They also shared examples from other parts of British Columbia where local governments have helped build pickleball courts.
“Fun and easy to play but hard to master,” said Brian Chipman.
Interest in Roberts Creek and Joe Road
The association hopes to use SCRD-owned land near the Masonic Hall or a private site on Joe Road. To build pickleball courts on either property, zoning changes would be required. The group asked elected leaders to support this idea.
Brian Chipman and Carolyne Oughton said they hope the SCRD will help, like the North Okanagan Regional District did in Vernon. There, a year-round facility was built with help from the local government.
Possible Space at Sunshine Coast Racquet Club
Some SCRD members were surprised by the request. Directors Darren Inkster and Alton Toth said they thought pickleball would be part of future plans at the Sunshine Coast Racquet Club. Brian Chipman said he believed that area was already planned for something else.
Both Darren Inkster and Alton Toth said the racquet club site might still be an option.
Growing Pickleball Numbers
Brian Chipman shared that the sport is growing fast on the Sunshine Coast. He said more than 500 people are playing in the area, with an even split between men and women. The fastest growing age group is 18 to 59.
“Checks off most of the boxes,” said Brian Chipman, referring to pickleball as a healthy sport for all ages.
Though the game was invented in Washington in 1965, it only reached the Sunshine Coast in the late 2000s. The local association formed in 2014. Today, players enjoy outdoor courts when the weather is good and play inside at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre and local school gyms.
What’s Next?
The SCRD board accepted the group’s presentation for information, but no decisions were made. It’s now up to the local government to decide if they will help with land or rezoning.
A year-round facility could help support the growing number of players and bring more organized games to the community.
News in Brief: Spartanburg Dedicated Pickleball Courts Opening
The Sunshine Coast Pickleball Association has asked the SCRD to help them find land or space for a year-round pickleball facility. With over 100,000 hours of play last year and 500 active players, the group says local interest is high and support from the region is needed.
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