The latest development in pickleball on the Coast is a pilot program by the Sunshine Coast Regional District at the Coast’s arenas during the off-season.
The initiative kicked off on the May long weekend at the Sunshine Coast Arena in Sechelt where several beginners and experienced players christened five newly-painted courts A similar program is also coming to the Gibsons and Area Community Centre. Depending on participation and regular attendance, pickleballers could have nine courts at each arena for regular play.
The June schedule for pickleball is Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast Arena and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre. Drop-in fees are $4 for both arenas.
On Saturdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. you can try for free in Gibsons on June 7, then there is a $4 drop-in fee for sessions in Sechelt on June 14 and 21 and June 28 in Gibsons. Equipment is available.
While many are now enjoying the game at our local arenas, four Coast players performed exceedingly well at the Walnut Grove level play competition in Langley.
Pauline Owen and Frank Cloutier each won two gold medals, Bev Craig won a gold medal and Bonnie Gibbon won a silver medal.
To learn more about pickleball on the Coast, contact Karen Renfrew via email karenorlin@gmail.com.
