A pack of pretty proud pickleball players gathered in Princeton Saturday, August 10 to celebrate the completion of four new and first-class pickleball courts at Memorial Park.
The event coincided with National Pickleball Day, and included a barbecue, games and a ribbon cutting, as well as a special appearance from Princeton’s iconic mascot, Peter Pine.
Barry Ovington, president of the Princeton Pickleball Association, told a crowd of about 50 people that the planning and construction of the facility was made possible by hard work and donations from the community.
He said organizers travelled to several other communities, including Merritt and Kamloops to research design and best practices.
“What we have here is very nice,” said Ovington, adding that visiting pickleball players have been enthusiastic and complimentary of the results, with several people saying Princeton now has the finest courts they have seen.
Cost of the project was approximately $130,000.
Association members held various fundraisers to get the pickleball rolling, and Weyerhaeuser made a significant donation from its community fund to give real momentum to the project.
The Town of Princeton contributed $25,000, while the regional district put in $50,000.
The various donations from local businesses amounted to about $50,000 worth of product and services, reducing the overall expenditure.
Hudbay, Princeton Wood Preservers, Save On Foods, and donations in-kind from Mike Grgich Contracting, G R (Mac) Lind Logging Ltd., J. Powell Excavating and Fencing, and John Allison Trucking all contributed.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” said Ovington.
Anyone is welcome to turn out to the courts, borrow a paddle and a ball, and try out their skills before they purchase their own gear.
“The big thing (about pickleball) is it is for all ages. Many of our member seniors and this gets them out and keeps them healthy.”
