Peachland’s Pickleball Battle: Peachland Councillor Randy Brophey has taken issue with how the value of pickleball is perceived in the community. Speaking during a council meeting on December 3, he criticized recent media coverage, regarding the sport’s ranking in the 2024 Peachland Citizens Survey.
The survey ranked pickleball as the second-lowest in terms of service importance. Brophey, however, dismissed this comparison, arguing it unfairly pits recreational activities against essential services like police and fire departments.
A Call for Context
Brophey, a passionate advocate for recreation in the community, compared the survey’s findings to misleading statistical interpretations. Referring to a book he once read at Simon Fraser University, he said,
“Years ago when I went to SFU there was a book on how to lie with statistics, and this, whether intended or not in my opinion, I don’t want to be confrontational or anything like that, is a perfect example.” – (Randy Brophey)
The councillor stressed that the comparison should be between recreational services rather than juxtaposing sports against essential municipal functions.
“You see what I’m getting at, it’s a meaningless comparison that’s been pulled out to deny the importance of this in the community. Nobody in their right mind is going to rate pickleball or any other sport ahead of basic services, that’s just common sense.” – (Randy Brophey)
Addressing the Needs of Seniors
During the meeting, Brophey highlighted the demographic realities of Peachland.
“I would suggest to you that we’ve done a fair bit of work in increasing facilities for children and adults in the community. The largest demographic in our community is 55 up and we have not done a good job in getting additional recreational facilities for them.” – (Randy Brophey)
He acknowledged efforts made to enhance facilities for children and adults but suggested there’s more work to be done for the senior population.
He warned that the narrative around pickleball’s ranking could lead to fewer recreational opportunities for the community’s older residents.
“What’s going to happen though, it’s already happening, people are pulling that out and saying there shouldn’t be any pickleball courts. It’s wrong.” – (Randy Brophey)
A Conflict of Interest
Brophey, who is a member of the Peachland Pickleball Society, recused himself from a council vote on November 26 to avoid a conflict of interest. During that meeting, the council directed staff to seek proposals for constructing up to four new pickleball courts. The decision highlights ongoing efforts to provide more inclusive recreational options, despite debates over priorities.
News in Brief: Peachland’s Pickleball Battle
Peachland Councillor Randy Brophey defended the importance of pickleball against criticisms derived from the 2024 Peachland Citizens Survey. He argued that ranking recreational activities like pickleball alongside essential services is misleading and detracts from their value to the community.
Brophey emphasized the need for facilities catering to the town’s largest demographic, residents aged 55 and older, and voiced concerns about the survey fueling opposition to pickleball courts. The council has moved forward with plans to build up to four new pickleball courts.
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