Skaha Lake Park Pickleball Courts: Penticton now has new pickleball facilities at Skaha Lake Park, with four new courts and two upgraded tennis courts off Parkview Street. The project, completed on September 11, 2025, was funded with $100,000 from the Penticton Pickleball Club and a $170,000 provincial grant.
Community Debate Over New Courts
The plans stirred some controversy. John Archer, former chair of the parks and recreation committee, resigned earlier this spring in protest. He cited concerns about noise, parking, and a perceived lack of public consultation. Archer also collected 178 signatures on a petition opposing the courts, but the city moved forward.
“It isn’t all that bad of noise coming from those pickleball courts,”
Coun. Jason Reynen told Black Press.
“To me, personally, for the (nearby) residents worried about the noise issues, they’re through all the trees. I’d be very hard-pressed to think they’re going to hear anything that’s going to disturb them.”
Construction and Facilities
Construction began in June 2025, reducing the previous three tennis courts to two. The new courts join existing facilities at Columbia Park (1593 Hatfield Ave.) and two courts near the Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre, which opened in May 2025 with federal support of $184,000. The larger project totaled $354,000.
Growth of Pickleball in Penticton
Pickleball continues to grow as one of North America’s fastest-growing sports. The Penticton Pickleball Club had already reached full membership for 2025 by May. Future developments, including the Peach City Sportsplex on Timmins Street behind Canadian Tire, may add even more courts, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity.
John Archer expressed disappointment with the city’s decision but pledged to
“always advocate for the preservation of the cherished parks.”
News in Brief: Skaha Lake Park Pickleball Courts
Penticton’s Skaha Lake Park opened four new pickleball courts and two upgraded tennis courts on September 11, 2025. Funded by $100,000 from the Penticton Pickleball Club and a $170,000 provincial grant, the project faced opposition from John Archer but is expected to meet growing local demand for pickleball.
ALSO READ: Vancouver Unveils First Pickleball Courts and Inclusive Playground at Oakbrook Park—See What’s New