Pickleball enthusiasts “relish” the completion of new courts

Catering to the ever-increasing popularity of the sport, the City of Lethbridge is excited to officially open six more pickleball courts.

The new courts are located north of the original six pickleball courts at Legacy Park. The new courts include Plexipave coating and windscreens. There is an asphalt walkway on the west side of the courts providing barrier-free access for users with mobility devices to enter the courts.

The project was part of the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) D-30 Legacy Park Pickleball Courts. The funding for the project was $650,000 and came from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF, formerly the Federal Gas Tax Fund).

The scope of the project was amended in May 2023, to remove the previous CIP recommendation of adding wind screens and alternative surfacing to the existing courts, a viewing area and benches. The amendment occurred with consultation from City Administration and the Lethbridge Pickleball Club to maintain the project and keep it economically feasible. 

“City Council is pleased to have the new courts completed and finding a solution to build these courts in a fiscally responsible way,” says Acting Mayor Ryan Parker. “Being able to provide more space for users to be active, come together and grow the sport.”

The six new courts will address the need for more spaces to play and provide opportunities to host larger events and tournaments.

“Although the majority of pickleball players in Lethbridge are seniors, we are receiving more and more interest from people of all ages wanting to learn and play pickleball,” says Klaus Witzke, Lethbridge Pickleball Club President. “The additional new courts are not just about more places to play; it’s about creating opportunities for more people to get active and fall in love with the sport.”

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is an accessible sport suitable for players of various ages and skills. Grab your paddles and a ball and try out the new courts! 

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