National Pickleball Day Fort St. John: Families, newcomers, and experienced players joined together at Kin Park in Fort St. John on August 9, 2025, to celebrate National Pickleball Day. The free event, organized by the City of Fort St. John’s recreation department with help from the Peace Country Pickleball Association (PCPA), offered games, drills, and community fun.
Wind Becomes the Toughest Rival
While matches ranged from casual to competitive, the biggest challenge was the strong west wind.
“The only downfall of playing pickleball outside is the wind and the sun,”
said PCPA vice-president Rod Locke.
“The ball is pretty light, so it’s hard to judge where it’s going sometimes, especially if it’s higher in the air. It is a little bit tougher, more challenging, [but] fun at the same time.”
Welcoming Newcomers to the Sport
Paddles and balls were provided so beginners could try the game. Some participants were new not only to pickleball but also to Canada.
“It’s fun,” said Nipun Narayan, who previously played table and court tennis in India.
“You already feel a sense of community when you step onto the court. Overall, [it is] a great experience.”
PCPA president April Bordeleau noted that new players often move too quickly.
“Being a newbie, you’re burning a lot of calories running all over the place instead of watching where your placement is,”. “As you get better [and] more advanced, you [will not] run a lot.”
Growing Popularity in Canada
National Pickleball Day was first celebrated in Canada in 2020. A 2025 study from Pickleball Canada reported that more than 1.54 million people across the country have played or are active in the sport.
The PCPA was formed in 2019 through the merger of two local groups and continues to offer “learn to play” sessions every Tuesday in the summer until the end of August.
Looking Ahead
Organizers say events like this help build community connections while introducing more people to the sport. With pickleball’s popularity growing, Fort St. John is expected to see more public events and programs in the future.
News in Brief: National Pickleball Day Fort St. John
Fort St. John celebrated National Pickleball Day on August 9 with games, drills, and community fun at Kin Park. Strong winds challenged players, but newcomers and veterans enjoyed the event. Organized by the City and PCPA, the celebration reflects the sport’s growing popularity in Canada.
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