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PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION |
Our Story
Early in 2023, a group of pickleball players came together with a shared objective—to form an association to promote the development and growth of pickleball in the qathet region. And so, on April 18, 2023, the qathet Pickleball Association (qPA) was incorporated under the British Columbia Societies Act. Soon after, we affiliated with Pickleball BC and Pickleball Canada, giving qPA a voice in the development of the sport of pickleball locally, provincially and nationally.
How It All Began
Like so many other communities in BC and beyond, the qathet region has fully embraced the sport of pickleball. Initially, players set up courts wherever they could, using whatever equipment they could find. As the game’s popularity grew, so did the number of courts. A team of dedicated volunteers kept the momentum going by implementing schedules and organizing equipment for the various courts.
The City of Powell River soon added pickleball court lines to the outdoor tennis courts at both Craig Park and Palm Beach. There are also two outdoor courts at the Townsite tennis and lawn bowling park (corner of Chestnut and Maple streets). Powell River Parks, Recreation, and Culture added drop-in pickleball to its schedule, providing space for much-needed indoor play (currently held at Oceanview Gym). In 2018, the non-profit Powell River Sports and Fitness Society (PRSFS), also known as Powell River Racquet Sports, created two pickleball courts in its leased facility, originally using lowered tennis nets. With the significant increase in pickleball members in 2023, PRSFS added two more pickleball courts—all with standard pickleball nets. This facility is shared with tennis and badminton players and requires a membership fee to join (although some open drop-in times are available on certain days;
check their website for more information).
The City of Powell River soon added pickleball court lines to the outdoor tennis courts at both Craig Park and Palm Beach. There are also two outdoor courts at the Townsite tennis and lawn bowling park (corner of Chestnut and Maple streets). Powell River Parks, Recreation, and Culture added drop-in pickleball to its schedule, providing space for much-needed indoor play (currently held at Oceanview Gym). In 2018, the non-profit Powell River Sports and Fitness Society (PRSFS), also known as Powell River Racquet Sports, created two pickleball courts in its leased facility, originally using lowered tennis nets. With the significant increase in pickleball members in 2023, PRSFS added two more pickleball courts—all with standard pickleball nets. This facility is shared with tennis and badminton players and requires a membership fee to join (although some open drop-in times are available on certain days;
check their website for more information).
What We’ve Been Doing
Part of our mission is to provide information, resources and programming for our membership. Since our inception in April 2023, we’ve had a number of accomplishments, including:
Early in 2024, we conducted a survey to learn more about our pickleball community and how we can improve the opportunities to learn and play pickleball in this region. See the results, available in both summarized format and a full report.
- ongoing lessons for those wanting to learn how to play, and those looking to improve their play
- an open house (held at PRSFS) to raise awareness within the community
- booths at both the Powell River Canada Day celebrations in July and the Blackberry Festival in August
- a feature in the September 2023 issue of qathet Living
Early in 2024, we conducted a survey to learn more about our pickleball community and how we can improve the opportunities to learn and play pickleball in this region. See the results, available in both summarized format and a full report.
Where We’re Going
With the number of pickleball players in our region continuing to increase, and the number of courts almost at capacity, we need a plan to move forward. Ideally, we need a facility that we can call home.
In addition to being good physical exercise, pickleball provides both mental and social benefits to all who play. qPA’s board of directors is committed to advocating for better facilities. We are collaborating with our community to determine how we can continue to offer this healthy and fun sport throughout our region while addressing our need for more playing spaces.
Our vision is to have a facility that can offer year-round recreational and competitive play. Although we have just begun, our fundraising committee is in full swing to make this dream come true. We urge anyone who shares our vision to join us and help achieve our vision.
In addition to being good physical exercise, pickleball provides both mental and social benefits to all who play. qPA’s board of directors is committed to advocating for better facilities. We are collaborating with our community to determine how we can continue to offer this healthy and fun sport throughout our region while addressing our need for more playing spaces.
Our vision is to have a facility that can offer year-round recreational and competitive play. Although we have just begun, our fundraising committee is in full swing to make this dream come true. We urge anyone who shares our vision to join us and help achieve our vision.
Our Sponsors and Affiliations
We would like to thank our sponsors and affiliates that support the qathet Pickleball Association
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