The Qualicum Beach Pickleball Club says a recent incident where extra lines were drawn on a tennis court in Qualicum Beach highlights the need for dedicated outdoor pickleball courts.
QBPC co-president Sandi Reed said they had nothing to do with the incident but hopes the Town of Qualicum Beach takes note.
Reed found out about the incident when someone sent her a copy of a story in the Parksville Qualicum Beach News.
"It just underscores the need for our own dedicated outdoor pickleball courts," said Reed. "So, I am hoping council would move a little faster on that."
The QBPC approached the town in 2023 to have designated pickleball courts built and indicated their willingness to help with the cost.
Town council came up with a plan to build the courts on a town-owned property south of the Qualicum Beach skatepark. Funds had been put aside and included in the 2024 budget. Council agreed to allocate $85,000 towards the creation of the pickleball courts, with the QBPC expected to raise $85,000.
Reed said they're still trying to raise funds but are not close to their target amount. She expected the projected cost for the pickleball courts cost more down the road.
During the summer months, the QBPC were playing mostly indoors at the Qualicum Beach Curling Club, which offered their facilities to the group. Reed said they're grateful to be able to rent the curling club but come September they will now move to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, but only for six sessions.
"That's all we could get, six sessions and they're pretty expensive," said Reed. "It's way more than we were paying for the entire summer at the curling club. Come October, the RDN (Regional District of Nanaimo) will be taking over the Civic Centre and will offer their pickleball there."
The QBPC is scrambling for solutions.
Anyone wishing to help with fundraising efforts or make a donation can contact Reed via email at qbpickleball@gmail.com or call 250-738-0091.
