Nanaimo Welcomes Pickleball Revolution: The City of Nanaimo is marking a significant milestone in its recreational offerings with the introduction of eight new outdoor pickleball courts at Beban Park. This development comes amid a surging interest in the sport across Vancouver Island.
A Grand Opening Event
On Thursday, October 31, at 12:30 p.m., pickleball fans are invited to celebrate the grand opening of these fully fenced courts.
The event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a demonstration game and clinics for new and experienced players. According to city officials, “Open play will be welcomed after the event has concluded.” allowing players to dive straight into action.
Enhanced Facilities for Local Players
These eight new courts—two more than the previous facility at Beaufort—have been designed with direct input from local players and the Nanaimo Pickleball Club, highlighting the community’s role in shaping recreational facilities. This addition comes as a response to concerns from nearby residents about noise levels at the Beaufort site, which opened in 2017.
Mayor Leonard Krog expressed enthusiasm for the new courts, stating,
“The new pickleball courts are a very welcome addition to Beban Park; a jewel that has so many recreational opportunities to offer. Pickleball is incredibly popular, and I know these courts will be well used. Play on!” – (Leonard Krog)
A Growing Trend Across Vancouver Island
The rise in pickleball’s popularity isn’t just a local phenomenon. The sport—a hybrid of table tennis, badminton, and tennis—has earned the title of “the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year running.” This trend is evident on the island, where the excitement is matched by challenges. In Victoria, for instance, noise complaints have sparked debates over court usage, leading to restrictions.
In a move reflecting this growing demand, West Shore Parks and Recreation recently announced plans for six new outdoor pickleball courts in the Langford area, adding to the region’s expanding pickleball infrastructure. This development follows the opening of the area’s first indoor pickleball gym just months ago.
News in Brief: Nanaimo Welcomes Pickleball Revolution
Nanaimo is celebrating the opening of eight new outdoor pickleball courts at Beban Park on October 31, aimed at accommodating the sport’s growing popularity on Vancouver Island. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstration games, and open play for attendees.
The courts are designed with input from local players and the Nanaimo Pickleball Club, enhancing recreational opportunities for the community. This development follows noise complaints at the previous Beaufort site and mirrors similar trends across the island, including plans for new courts in Langford.
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