West Shore’s pickleball players can finally say goodbye to tape and cones crowding the courts.
The Juan de Fuca (JDF) Recreation Centre is putting the finishing touches on a brand-new six-court pickleball facility, aiming for a soft opening on Friday, May 30, followed by an official public launch on June 13 at 10 a.m.
Four of the courts will be available for online booking, while two will remain open for drop-ins. This much-needed expansion comes as pickleball’s popularity has exploded across the region in recent years – and it’s been a long time coming, say recreation staff.
“This project’s been in the works for about six months,” Grant Brown, CEO of West Shore Parks and Recreation, said. “Everything went really well – smooth sailing. The only real challenge was the limited number of contractors who specialize in building pickleball courts.”
According to a February 2025 study conducted by a Canadian research firm and presented by Pickleball Canada, an estimated 1.54 million people across the country now play pickleball.
When first conducted in 2022, the survey showed one million players nationwide. The updated results reveal a 57% increase in participation over the past three years, with a steady 15% year-over-year growth since 2024.
The $438,000 build is coming in just slightly over its $400,000 budget – a margin the team is happy with given the project’s scale and some modest upgrades to the surrounding area.
Brown noted that a slight increase in the asphalt footprint will allow for picnic tables and a small gathering space, making the courts more than just a sports facility.
The new courts are purpose-built for pickleball, easing tensions that sometimes flared when players shared tennis facilities. A new signage strategy will direct pickleball players to the new courts and reserve the older tennis courts strictly for tennis.
“The hope is that this helps balance the needs of both groups,” Rob Wilson, coordinator of arena and events, said. “We’ve had a few situations where each side thought they had priority, but for the most part, it’s been pretty civil.”
Court design was shaped not only by a feasibility study but also through site visits to other facilities. Operations manager Ron Dietrich noted inspiration came from Kerry Park’s pickleball setup – with adjustments to suit local needs.
“We lowered the fencing around the courts to make it more spectator-friendly,” Dietrich said. “The original plan had eight-foot fencing, but we opted for something that makes it easier for people to watch or lean on the fence while waiting their turn. It feels more inviting now.”
Pickleball isn’t new to Juan de Fuca. Two indoor courts were added in 2020 when the centre converted the JDF curling rink into an indoor sports complex. Since then, demand has steadily grown, with drop-in sessions and court bookings consistently busy – interest that has only accelerated since the pandemic.
“There’s definitely been an uptick,” Brown said. “We’ve had people asking for more courts for a while now.”
The new facility will also unlock fresh programming opportunities. Tournament inquiries have already started rolling in, including from TurfBurn – a local soccer event now looking to add pickleball to its schedule.
West Shore’s sports program coordinator is also planning a tournament later in June, with more events and programming to follow throughout the summer.
Basic equipment is available for purchase at the centre’s reception and at the nearby pro shop. During the warmer months, Fridays will feature barbecues serving burgers and drinks, turning the pickleball zone into a summer hangout.
“Between the skate park, tennis, golf, and now these new courts, it’s a great place to spend the day,” Brown said. “You can play, you can relax, and now you can grab a burger and a beer while you’re at it.”
