The Oceanside Pickleball Club (OPC) is set to begin its 2025 season on April 7 at the Parksville Community Park pickleball courts. The club’s annual general meeting will take place on April 3 at 9 a.m. at the Parksville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 49, where key changes will be discussed.
Expanding Membership and Inclusivity
OPC President John Philip announced plans to remove the club’s 55-plus age restriction. “Analysis of the membership data indicates we need younger people in our club,” Philip stated in his annual report. Currently, the club has 291 members, with an average age of 68. The youngest player is 15, while the oldest is 88.
Possible Club Amalgamation
Members will vote on merging with the Parksville Oceanside Pickleball Society. Philip emphasized the importance of this move, stating that it would open new opportunities for the club’s future growth.
Backup Plans for Weather and Evening Play
If rain disrupts scheduled games, play will move indoors to the Parksville Curling Club starting April 14. “There will be no cancellations to the scheduled play due to weather conditions on April 14,” Philip confirmed. The club is also exploring options to extend play into the evenings to accommodate more players.
Call for Volunteers and Future Court Expansions
The club seeks volunteers to assist with court setup and management on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. A sign-up sheet will be available at the AGM. Looking ahead, Parksville plans to resurface the lacrosse box and convert tennis courts into pickleball courts in 2026. When complete, the club will have 16 permanent courts and eight temporary courts at the curling rink.
Supporting Regional Pickleball Growth
OPC also aims to support the Qualicum Beach Pickleball Club in establishing its own courts. The Town of Qualicum Beach has donated land and allocated funds to develop the facility near the civic center’s skatepark.
News in Brief: Oceanside Pickleball Club
The Oceanside Pickleball Club’s 2025 season starts April 7 at Parksville Community Park. The AGM is on April 3 at the Parksville Legion. Plans include removing the 55-plus age limit, possible club mergers, indoor play options, and future court expansions. Volunteers are needed for game setup and management.
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