Kelowna, BC – The Kelowna Pickleball Club has been gaining popularity among residents, with a staggering 185 people currently on the waitlist to join. This recreational club, which offers a fun and social way to stay active, has seen a surge in interest over the past year.
Pickleball, a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has been around since the 1960s but has recently gained a strong following in Kelowna. The Kelowna Pickleball Club, founded in 2015, has grown from just a handful of members to over 500 active players.
According to club president, John Smith, the increase in interest can be attributed to the pandemic. “With many other recreational activities being limited or cancelled, people have turned to pickleball as a safe and enjoyable way to stay active and socialize,” he explains.
The club offers a variety of programs, including drop-in sessions, round-robin tournaments, and social events. Members also have access to the club’s six outdoor courts, located at Parkinson Recreation Centre, as well as indoor courts during the winter months.
However, with the growing demand, the club has had to implement a waitlist for new members. Currently, there are 185 people waiting to join, with an average wait time of six months. “We are doing our best to accommodate everyone, but with limited court space and resources, we have to prioritize our current members,” says Smith.
Despite the waitlist, the club remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players. “We have a diverse group of members, ranging from beginners to advanced players, and everyone is supportive and encouraging of each other,” says Smith.
For those interested in joining the Kelowna Pickleball Club, Smith advises to sign up for the waitlist as soon as possible. “We are constantly reviewing and updating our membership process, so it’s important to stay informed and be ready to join when a spot becomes available,” he says.
In the meantime, the club continues to offer a variety of programs and events for its current members, with plans to expand and improve its facilities in the future. With the growing popularity of pickleball, it’s clear that this sport is here to stay in Kelowna.
