There’s good news for people on southern Vancouver Island who like to pick up a paddle and play a game of pickleball.
A dedicated pickleball facility will soon open in Langford, and it will be the first indoor centre that’s opening specifically for the game.
There’s no firm date yet for when the facility, called the Victoria Pickleball Centre, will open, but organizers say games will begin in early spring 2024.
Ever since pickleball exploded onto the scene it’s been plagued by the problem of where to play, with some Island residents complaining about noise near courts – and other court users, like tennis players, growing upset about decreased court time in public parks.
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The new 15,000-square-foot facility will help keep noise down for neighbours, organizers say.
“Noise was one of the first things on our mind, all the time when we were looking at spaces,” said Brittany Buna with the Victoria Pickleball Centre.
She adds that the centre will be open to everyone who loves the sport.
“We want a space where everyone can play. It’s not exclusive, it’s not a club with an exclusive membership,” she said.
While Victoria has dabbled in hosting indoor pickleball courts, like a popup installation at Crystal Gardens, this new dedicated space will help attract things like regional tournaments.
Buna says lessons and leagues will also be set up at the centre eventually.
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The Victoria Pickleball Centre is pictured on March 21, 2024. (CHEK News)
The final hurdle before the Victoria Pickleball Centre opens is the completion of a cafe and pro shop.
After years of growing popularity and equally mounting complaints, pickleball players will soon have a place to call home in Greater Victoria.
“I think we’re now turning the corner where people understand the sport more,” said Buna.
Adam Chan
Jordan Cunningham
