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PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION |
News and Events @ qPA
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A Big Thank YouThank you to all qPA community sponsors, members, and friends for your continued support! Your contributions to our fundraising efforts to build our future Pickleball Facility is much appreciated. Power Outage BBQ @ Freshco Beer & Burger @ The Carslon Club Modern Garage Sale |
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qPA Volunteer Appreciation
Each year Pickleball Canada asks clubs and associations to submit the name of a volunteer they would like to highlight—someone who makes a difference in our community by volunteering their time to foster engagement in pickleball and strengthen the game.
For 2026, the volunteer that qPA has chosen to recognize is Paul Liknes, for his unwavering support and dedication to our association. Paul’s contributions go far beyond the court. Whether he’s coaching new players or helping out at fundraising events, his generosity, enthusiasm, and (wicked!) sense of humour make a lasting impact. He is consistently kind and respectful to everyone he works with, creating a welcome and supportive environment. qPA is incredibly grateful for Paul’s contributions to our association. His dedication inspires us all. |
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FreshCo Grocery Card Fundraiser!
Help us build courts with your groceries!
Purchase a FreshCo grocery card and a portion goes directly to qPA's Facility Development Fund. Remember, you can use your card at any of the participating stores ~ and ~ the FreshCo grocery card acts like a debit card and can be used multiple times. |
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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.
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.
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.
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:
qPA has 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 summarized format and a full report.
- Open house (held at PRSFS) to raise awareness within the community
- Ongoing lessons for those wanting to learn how to play, and those looking to improve their play
- Community engagement with booths at both the Powell River Canada Day celebrations in July and the Blackberry Festival in August
- Nov 8th, 2024 presented at City of Powell River Council of the Whole (COTW) Meeting to discuss the future of Pickleball
- Community Youth Engagement with a series of lessons in local schools.
- May 20th, 2025 will be attending City of Powell River Council of the Whole to follow up on progress of Staff Report on facility search
qPA has 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 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 at or exceeding 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 Community Sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors and affiliates that support the qathet Pickleball Association
