The Qualicum Beach Pickleball Club is raising funds to build four outdoor permanent pickleball courts near the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
This project was initiated in 2023, in partnership with the Town of Qualicum Beach, which donated the land and allocated $85,000 in the budget for the designated pickleball facility.
To make it a reality, the QBPC needs to match the town's $85,000 contribution. A fundraising initiative is now underway and the club has upped the ante as it is now aiming to raise $100,000. Their new goal was enhanced by a generous $50,000 grant from the DOBS Foundation, a registered charitable giving fund administered by the Raymond James Canada Foundation (RJCF).
To help with the club's fundraiser, Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek handed a cheque for $500 to QBOC president Sandi Reed. The presentation, also attended by councillors Anne Skipsey, Petronella Vander Valk and Jean Young, who made $100 donations to the project, was held at the future site of the proposed pickleball courts. There were also other club members and individuals who made $100 pledges with some matching Westbroek's donation.
To date, Reed has received pledges of almost $5,000 from pickleball players in the community. With the support of players, residents and businesses in the community, the QBPC hopes to reach their fundraising goal quickly.
The club indicated the four courts will foster a vibrant community of pickleball players of all skill levels as it will provide accessible play, promote good sportsmanship and encourage social interaction.
The new outdoor courts will be available to the public outside the times booked by QBPC, and the hope is there are enough community-minded citizens and businesses to also contribute to this public facility. An increase in recreational facilities, the club indicated, can only benefit the town.
Pickleball popularity has been exploding year after year, with the number of players increasing exponentially. It is inexpensive, easy to learn and enjoyment comes quickly. It is great for anyone of all ages – visiting children and grandchildren love it – and is very social.
During summer, the QBPC plays indoors at the Qualicum Beach Curling Club since there is only one outdoor court marked for pickleball at the tennis courts on Veteran's Way. Many QB pickleball players prefer to play outdoors in summer so they travel to the Parksville Community Park to join one of the two active clubs operating there, with a combined total of more than 700 members. Some residents travel even further to Nanoose and Dunsmuir.
Public donations in support of building the new pickleball courts can be made at :https://rjcfoundation.akaraisin.com/ui/QualicumBeachPickleballClub.
Tax receipts will be issued. For more information, contact qbpickleball@gmail.com.
