Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park Pickleball Courts: The District of Invermere has chosen a site near Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park to build dedicated pickleball courts after years of requests from local players. The plan calls for eight tournament-level courts to be built on a parking lot near the ball diamond, with construction targeted for summer 2027.
Long-Standing Push for Courts
For years, the Invermere Pickleball Club has used the Mount Nelson Athletic Park courts for outdoor play. This has caused scheduling conflicts with other groups like basketball players. Club members and municipal staff reviewed several possible sites before recommending the ball diamond area as the most practical option.
Council Discussions and Concerns
Councillor Theresa Wood met with players to evaluate locations at Mount Nelson Athletic Park, the ball diamond, the Lake Windermere Resort Lands, and the Highway 93/95 crossroads. She said the ball diamond location is farther from homes, wheelchair accessible, and owned by the district.
District staff agreed, citing “moderate infrastructure needs” and lower costs compared to other sites. Cost estimates range from $210,000 to $295,000 for the ball diamond, compared to $420,000–$600,000 at the crossroads and over $500,000 at the resort lands.
“I do really like that location. It’s not being used very much,”
said Councillor Grant Kelly.
“Sound mitigation is going to be costly, but it is important . . . sound will travel. But sound will travel everywhere, unless you have trees – really big, thick trees — all around it.”
Councillor Gerry Taft raised the issue of public consultation, pointing to past reversals on other projects.
“Are we going to flip and flop a lot on this, if we suddenly get feedback, or are we ready to decide now?”(Gerry Taft).
Chief administrative officer Dean McKinley noted that while nearby residents in the Fort Point neighborhood previously opposed pickleball close to their homes, similar resistance is common in other communities.
“But it seems to be the best of all the locations,” (Dean McKinley).
Next Steps for the Project
Council voted to move ahead with the ball diamond location. The district will now work with the Invermere Pickleball Club on fundraising. An unused $80,000 from the 2022–2024 resort development strategy is already available to support the project.
Why It Matters
The decision marks progress in creating dedicated pickleball courts for the growing sport in Invermere. The project aims to ease conflicts with other sports, provide space for tournaments, and strengthen recreational opportunities for the community.
News in Brief: Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park Pickleball Courts
The District of Invermere approved plans to build eight pickleball courts near Pynelogs Rotary Ball Park. The project, supported by $80,000 in existing funds, is expected by summer 2027. Officials chose the location for its lower cost, accessibility, and distance from homes after years of requests from local players.
ALSO READ: Bailey Road Park Unveils 10 New Pickleball Courts With Grand Opening and Fall Classic Tournament