Coquitlam is piloting dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at Blue Mountain Park this summer as interest in the sport continues to surge.
COQUITLAM, B.C., July 17, 2020 – Coquitlam is piloting dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at Blue Mountain Park this summer as interest in the sport continues to surge.
Six pickleball courts with fixed nets and painted lines are being temporarily set up at Blue Mountain for fans of the quickly-growing paddle sport, which uses a wiffle ball and combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The changes should be completed by the end of July.
The dedicated courts are in addition to the 28 shared courts the City added last year to seven tennis courts and lacrosse boxes, where the compact pickleball courts are marked out on the surface and players bring their own nets.
One of the three courts will remain for tennis use during the pickleball pilot. Park users wanting to use other tennis courts can visit Mackin Park at 1046 Brunette Ave., or Poirier Civic Grounds & Park at 624 Poirier St.
Coquitlam’s Tennis and Pickleball Strategy
Pickleball is gaining popularity more quickly than predicted in the City’s Tennis and Pickleball Strategy, adopted in 2017.
Coquitlam’s Dogwood and Glen Pine Pavilion 50-plus facilities both have pickleball activity groups that have traditionally focused on indoor play but have driven interest in more outdoor opportunities. While no formal community club exists in Coquitlam, there are a growing number of pickleball players throughout the city.
The pilot at Blue Mountain was developed in consultation with local pickleball advocates, who pointed out the challenges of players having to set up and remove nets between games when using the 28 shared courts – particularly during this time of physical distancing and reduced common touchpoints.
Two of the park’s three tennis courts have been temporarily modified into six pickleball courts for the pilot, which will run until the end of October. City staff is assessing the demand for the dedicated courts as part of its research for the planning of a future dedicated outdoor pickleball facility.
Blue Mountain was selected for the pilot based on observed use patterns, as well as access to parking and public washrooms.
Shared pickleball courts continue to be available at the tennis courts at Panorama Park, Mariner Park and Poirier, and at the lacrosse boxes at Mundy, Mountainview and Eagle Ridge parks. For a complete listing, visit www.coquitlam.ca/pickleball.
Free Wi-Fi
Visitors to Blue Mountain Park and other Coquitlam parks can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available in many City parks (see map at www.coquitlam.ca/wifi). The free Wi-Fi allows Coquitlam residents to get outdoors and remain socially connected while being able to access information and participate in the City’s free CoquitlamSPIRIT and other virtual programming.
Enjoy 75 Days of Staycation Fun
Be a tourist in your own town this summer with Tourism Coquitlam’s 75 Days of Summer campaign. Follow @visitcoquitlam on Facebook and Instagram from June 24 to Sept. 7 for prize giveaways and insider tips about things to do and great places to visit, eat or drink in Coquitlam. Watch for your daily dose of #SummerintheCQ inspiration and feel free to comment and share your own suggestions, tagging #ExploreCoquitlam and #SummerintheCQ. The City is also looking to purchase gift cards or prize packages from local businesses – contact 604-927-3913 or tourism@coquitlam.ca for information.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.
Media contact
Kathleen Reinheimer
Manager Parks
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3533
Email