Eight courts are now ready for pickleballers at Beban Park. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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Large outdoor pickleball complex opens in Nanaimo

Oct 31, 2024 | 3:14 PM

NANAIMO — In response to a rapidly growing sport and desires for playing space in more suitable areas, a new pickleball venue is now open at Nanaimo’s Beban Park.

Located near the gold course and driving range, eight enclosed anti-slip courts, a small seating area, and three entrances are included as part of the project.

The total project budget is a little over $530,000, according to the City of Nanaimo, which expects bleacher seating will be installed at a later date.

A grand opening ceremony for the new amenity was held on Thursday, Oct. 31, a little over three months after construction started.

Each court is enclosed with chain-linked fencing. An on-site water fountain is available, as is access to power for events. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Richard Harding, general manager of community services, said Beban Park is the perfect location for pickleball, which does produce a fair amount of well documented noise

“We just can’t put them near residences, so Beban is a great location for a number of larger types of multi-sport facilities. This has worked out really well,” Harding told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said additional pickleball courts in Nanaimo will be created in the future, but said it’s unclear where and when that would happen, noting converting existing sports courts is an option.

“People want more, they always want more and that’s fine because there’s a definite demand for this sport. I think we’ll get this one going and finished off then work with the clubs and some of the other user groups and see where else can we maybe do some that aren’t going to have some negative impact to other neighbourhoods.”

Harding said the new Beban Park amenity is planned to be a key venue for the 55+ BC Games taking place in Nanaimo in September 2025.

Richard Harding appropriately dressed up as a pickle for the official opening of the pickleball courts at Beban Park on Halloween. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The eight pickleball courts at Beban Park are two more than what existed at Beaufort Park, which was recently closed and will be transitioned into a multi-use sports court in the coming months, according to the City.

Noise complaints were associated with the Beaufort Park pickleball courts located in a heavily populated area near Nanaimo hospital.

Several other smaller outdoor pickleball courts are available in Nanaimo, while Oliver Woods Community Centre serves as a primary indoor destination for the emerging sport.

(L-R) Coun. Ian Thorpe, mayor Leonard Krog and coun. Janice Perrino officially opened the new facility (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Andrew Luch is an avid player and Nanaimo Pickleball Club member.

He was introduced to the sport while visiting Palm Springs, California and has been hooked after getting to know members of the local pickleball community.

“I’ve been playing for about four years now, it’s a very fast-growing sport. You get to meet a lot of interesting people, build friendships — it’s great for fitness too.”

Luch said there are many players locally with a lot of knowledge in the sport who can help newcomers learn and excel.

“We don’t discriminate whether you’re new or a self-proclaimed pro, we’re here to have fun and get some fitness in, make some good shots and encourage each other,” he said.

About 100 people turned out to opening day of the new courts at Beban Park, which included demonstrations from Nanaimo Pickleball Club members on the basics of the sport. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes