Pickleball group on the lookout for new Tri-Cities courts; Coquitlam council keen to go paddle vs. paddle with Burnaby
If it’s industrial land without any industry, a mall without a tenant, a barren rooftop, or a parking lot without any cars – it’s a place where there could be a pickleball court.
That was the message from Inclusive Place of Pickleball CEO Chris White on Monday, as he spoke to Coquitlam council about what he described as a shortage of indoor pickleball courts in the Tri-Cities.
That annoying pop-pop-pop is the sound of personal well-being and community building, White explained. And while pop-up courts are a possibility, there are also opportunities for longer-term courts through partnerships with cities, developers and First Nations, he added.
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The goal, he explained, is to build more pickleball facilities around the city, the province, “and hopefully one day around the world.”
There might be a spot for a court in a shopping centre, noted Coun. Dennis Marsden, who mentioned: “a significant space that has come available in a local mall, that might be looking for a tenant.”
While permanent solutions could be tricky, Coun. Matt Djonlic suggested keeping an eye on strip malls marked for future development, particularly when big tenant leases expire.
“I think we’re going to have a number of opportunities on that front over the coming years,” he said.
After opening a nine-court pickleball facility by Lougheed Mall this spring, IPOP has signed up 6,500 members With the sport’s meteoric growth and high retention rate, it makes sense to invest in pickleball, according to White.
“There is certainly more demand than there is space,” agreed Coun. Craig Hodge.
Toward the end of the discussion, White relayed a message from the other side of North Road.
“The mayor of Burnaby had a message: he would like to challenge you guys . . . council versus council down at IPOP.”
Several councillors, including Coun. Teri Towner, seemed enthusiastic about a possible contest.
“If Burnaby wants to go, bring it on,” Marsden said.
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