Prince George is in a pickle — ball

“We’ve really focused on just allowing people that access to pickleball courts in a space that you don’t have to pay for,” Lequereux says. “Especially with a sport where you just want to get out there with your friends, you want to enjoy yourself, and you might want to do that at low cost.”

The city found creative ways to expand without spending much. Staff painted pickleball lines on existing tennis courts so both sports could be played on them. Thanks to an agreement with School District 57, community groups can also book school gyms for indoor games, which is important as more people want to play year-round.

But Lequereux says the city needs more than just places to play. They also need people to help out. Community associations can apply to run drop-in sessions and organized games, but they rely on volunteers to lead them.

“If you’re willing to run a pickleball session, it’s going to be a narrow amount of your time, really,” she says. Interested residents can contact Prince George Parks and Recreation by email or visit the city’s website to find their local community association.

The Prince George Tennis and Pickleball Club is also growing quickly. Director David Stewart says about 240 people now play pickleball at the club, and the spring season has just started.

Stewart says pickleball is popular because it’s easy for anyone to start, whether for fitness, making friends, or cost.

“We’ve got players here that have never held a racket of any kind in their hands,” Stewart says. “And now they’ve decided to come and play pickleball because it’s social and it’s a form of exercise. And guess what? They become addicted.”

The club welcomes members from ages 10 to 85 and offers beginner coaching for anyone who wants to improve. Stewart says even visitors from Kamloops have noticed how friendly the club feels.

“You’re more than welcome to come and join in and enjoy this game,” he says. “Enjoy the competitiveness if that’s where you want to go or the social aspect, if that’s where you want to go.”

If you’re on a budget, Stewart says all you need is a basic paddle and a pair of non-marking running shoes to start playing. There are no court fees at city facilities.

by Dave Branco

Prince George is in a pickle — ball

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