Dear Editor,
Re: Why aren't there more pickleball courts in Richmond: Players, Aug. 6, 2025
Pickleball is an enormously popular and fast-growing sport.
To address the comments set out in the recent Richmond News article, the city is actively exploring and implementing more courts for pickleball enthusiasts.
In addition to drop-in pickleball available at six community centres, Richmond currently has nine dedicated pickleball courts, with four new pickleball courts coming to South Arm Park.
To avoid disrupting the 2025 playing season, that work is scheduled for early 2026.
Lines are also being added to a tennis court at South Arm, resulting in four additional pickleball play areas. More tennis courts across the city are being reviewed for similar conversion.
Overall, the city is also undertaking a Sport Court and Sport Field Strategy to help determine the need and locations for future courts.
Community engagement will be a key part of this process, thus providing opportunities to share perspectives. As part of this strategy, booking and allocation processes for sport facilities, including sport courts, will be reviewed.
We recognize the demand for more courts by pickleball enthusiasts. However, the city must take into account the demand by tennis players or others who use these playing surfaces for recreational activities.
Demand for playing surfaces and facilities is a constant challenge and allocation must be reasonable. As Canada’s Most Active Community, the City of Richmond proudly promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages physical activity.
Pickleball, like all recreational and competitive sports, builds friendships and a strong sense of community.
We will continue to encourage our residents to be active and engaged.
Malcolm Brodie
Richmond Mayor
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