Picking site for pickleball

Photo: allaboutpickleball.com

Vernon's pickleball club may know if there is a site for courts by July.

The Greater Vernon Advisory Council has asked staff to report back next month, identifying areas where a pickle ball facility could be placed.

It will most likely be Marshall Field, which is what the 320-member club proposed in December.

“It has been a struggle to find a decent location for this activity,” Keith Pinkoski, parks planner with the North Okanagan Regional District, told the council. He blamed both noise and the number of players.

However, after talks with City of Vernon staff, Pinkoski said Marshall Field “might be the top option.”

“Identifying a site doesn't cost us anything but the club can start to fundraise,” said Bob Fleming, electoral area B director.

Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund agreed. “The pickleball group is a lot more mature, they're not the teenagers. We should identify a site as soon as possible (to allow the club to apply for grants).”

“(The Marshall Field site) makes the most sense because it's away from community – because we end up with so many issues regarding noise. As well, it allows for parking,” said Don Friesen, a club representative.

“We're close to 400 players right now. We've got over 320 as members. We need space.

“When you take that many people anywhere it's going to be noisy no matter what they're doing and we feel for the community. Marshall Field makes sense and we just need a decision.”