New Swift Current Pickleball courts doing a brisk business
The unmistakable sound of pickleball action is echoing across Riverside Park following the grand opening of six dedicated pickleball courts.
Built on the location of two former tennis courts, the new home of the Swift Current Pickleball Club has been getting a workout since officially opening earlier this month.
Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has become an increasingly popular activity since arriving in the community back in the mid 2010s.
“We really appreciate that the City saw the growth of pickleball within Swift Current and did this for all the people of Swift Current,” Sue Johnston, President of the Swift Current Pickleball Club said at an official opening of the courts on September 14.
“This is pretty exciting for all of us pickleball players. We have been sharing courts with tennis players, and sometimes we get quite large groups out.”
Additionally, non club members have also been enjoying the new courts.
“We also appreciate that there’s lots of other people in the City that use these courts. And it’s kind of neat that we drive by and see families and young people and all sorts of variety of people out here at different times. It’s just really exciting.”
She noted that the club boasted over 90 members last year, and as they are transitioning towards the upcoming indoor season they already have 43 signed up members. The club plays indoor pickleball at the Lt. Colonel Clifton Centre as well as the Palliser Pavillion. In October 2020 they officially became affiliated with both Pickleball Saskatchewan and Pickleball Canada.
Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal said the new outdoor facility will be a popular addition to the existing park amenities across the city.
“Pickleball has certainly become one the more popular sports,” Bridal noted. “We’re very pleased as a City to be able to provide this additional space for our local pickleball players.”