On Saturday, Aug. 11 the Delta Pickleball Association held its second annual Pickleball Tournament at Ladner's Memorial Park courts.
These three semi-dedicated courts were opened a year ago as part of Delta’s initiative to utilize the long unused lacrosse box.
A kid's bike riding layout adjoins the courts.
Tournament director Peter Darvill said since the opening of the courts, a Delta Pickleball Club has been formed and boasts 196 paid members to date.
“The courts are heavily used seven days a week, and we are hoping to add similar courts in Tsawwassen and North Delta working with Delta parks, recreation, and culture,” said Darvill. “This sport is easily learned, playable by all ages, and most of all fun. At a fraction of the cost of the high price tab for other sporting venues, we are keeping Deltans out of our hospital with the great workout it affords all participants.”
Invented more than 50 years ago, Pickleball didn't do much until 15 years ago when Snowbirds in Florida, Arizona and other Southern State RV parks began putting in courts and the addiction began.
“When they came home in the spring they wanted to play here. Indoors, the community centres across the Lower Mainland started putting Pickleball on their offerings and the game has exploded indoors,” he said. “Now we are focusing on outdoor venues and we are hoping Delta supports the fastest growing sport in North America.”
Congratulations to the tournament winners, Allen Pearse and Michael Harbott in intermediate one, Al Colter and Ed Wong in intermediate two, and Dave Kennedy and Yoram Zer in advanced.
See more at www.deltapickleball.org.
