The Rotary Club of Courtenay has planned a new community building project that will excite pickleball players in the Comox Valley.
Partnering with local community groups, and the recently formed Comox Valley Pickleball Association (CVPA), the club plans to build designated courts for the sport in Comox.
Pickleball was invented in 1965 and is the fastest growing sport in North America. Through the promotional efforts of an International Federation of Pickleball, the game has official rules upheld in eight countries, including Pickleball Canada. Pickleball BC was formed in March. The CVPA is hard at work promoting the growth of the sport through awareness, improved skills, and designated facilities.
“Pickleball is a very accessible sport that can be enjoyed at all ages,” says CVPA president Rick Folk. “It’s easy to learn, requires minimal equipment, and maintains a challenge as player skill levels increase. Most people living in the Comox Valley value a physically active lifestyle so pickleball is an affordable option. Having designated outdoor courts will make the sport even more accessible.”
“We are proud to partner with local groups on our major project this year, regardless of where the facilities are situated,” says Rotary president Judith Marriott. “Although we are officially ‘The Rotary Club of Courtenay,’ we have members who work and live in all areas of the Comox Valley, and our various fundraisers are also supported by individuals who live throughout the Valley. The membership of the CVPA is also Valley-wide, and we support its goal to promote the sport and local recreation.”
Courtenay Rotary plans to commence construction of the courts early next year, and to have them completed and ready for play by the end of June.
FMI: cvpickleball.ca and courtenayrotary.com
