Pickleball demand surges and Campbell River invited to be part of the solution | Campbell River Mirror
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Pickleball demand surges and Campbell River invited to be part of the solution
Published 10:30 am Sunday, April 12, 2026
By Kari Fredheim
More than 1.54 million Canadians play pickleball and the Campbell River Pickleball Association is seeing an uptick in interest that outweighs court availability. (Laurel Cronk/Contributor)
Pickleball is now widely recognized as the fastest-growing sport in North America as well as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Pickleball continues to experience unprecedented growth, with more than 1.54 million Canadians now playing the sport and participation in the United States increasing by 311 per cent over the past three years.
This momentum is reflected globally, with strong growth across all age groups and an average player age of just 34.8.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, but its true appeal lies in its inclusivity. It’s easy to learn, low-impact and highly social, making it ideal for both fitness and community-building. Players report a wide range of benefits including improved cardiovascular health and mobility, stronger social connections and reduced isolation, enhanced mental wellness through active play and inter-generational engagement by bringing families and friends together.
With this explosive growth comes a new challenge – access.
In many communities, including Campbell River, demand for courts far exceeds availability. Online booking through the City of Campbell River and the Campbell River Pickleball Association has become highly competitive and securing a spot often comes down to seconds.
“You really have to be ready to hit the button the second the online bookings open, otherwise, you’re probably not getting an indoor court that week or even that month,” says Laurel Cronk, a local player.
This growing pressure highlights the urgent need for expanded infrastructure and creative solutions. In fact, communities and entrepreneurs across North America are responding in innovative ways from transforming vacant retail spaces into indoor pickleball hubs to franchised pickleball clubs.
These developments reflect a broader shift. Pickleball is no longer just recreational, it is becoming an industry, with significant economic and community impact.
As demand continues to grow locally, there is a clear opportunity for innovation and leadership in Campbell River. The Campbell River Pickleball Association is inviting community members, businesses and entrepreneurs to be part of the solution. If you have an idea, whether it’s new courts, creative use of space, partnerships or programming, now is the time to step forward.
To share ideas or explore opportunities, please reach out to Annette Anderwald from the Campbell River Pickleball Association at anderwald.annette@gmail.com.
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Pickleball demand surges and Campbell River invited to be part of the solution
Published 10:30 am Sunday, April 12, 2026
By Kari Fredheim
More than 1.54 million Canadians play pickleball and the Campbell River Pickleball Association is seeing an uptick in interest that outweighs court availability. (Laurel Cronk/Contributor)
Pickleball is now widely recognized as the fastest-growing sport in North America as well as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Pickleball continues to experience unprecedented growth, with more than 1.54 million Canadians now playing the sport and participation in the United States increasing by 311 per cent over the past three years.
This momentum is reflected globally, with strong growth across all age groups and an average player age of just 34.8.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, but its true appeal lies in its inclusivity. It’s easy to learn, low-impact and highly social, making it ideal for both fitness and community-building. Players report a wide range of benefits including improved cardiovascular health and mobility, stronger social connections and reduced isolation, enhanced mental wellness through active play and inter-generational engagement by bringing families and friends together.
With this explosive growth comes a new challenge – access.
In many communities, including Campbell River, demand for courts far exceeds availability. Online booking through the City of Campbell River and the Campbell River Pickleball Association has become highly competitive and securing a spot often comes down to seconds.
“You really have to be ready to hit the button the second the online bookings open, otherwise, you’re probably not getting an indoor court that week or even that month,” says Laurel Cronk, a local player.
This growing pressure highlights the urgent need for expanded infrastructure and creative solutions. In fact, communities and entrepreneurs across North America are responding in innovative ways from transforming vacant retail spaces into indoor pickleball hubs to franchised pickleball clubs.
These developments reflect a broader shift. Pickleball is no longer just recreational, it is becoming an industry, with significant economic and community impact.
As demand continues to grow locally, there is a clear opportunity for innovation and leadership in Campbell River. The Campbell River Pickleball Association is inviting community members, businesses and entrepreneurs to be part of the solution. If you have an idea, whether it’s new courts, creative use of space, partnerships or programming, now is the time to step forward.
To share ideas or explore opportunities, please reach out to Annette Anderwald from the Campbell River Pickleball Association at anderwald.annette@gmail.com.
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Entertainment
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Community
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Regional News
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Sections
News
Business
Community
Life
Entertainment
Sports
Opinion
Obituaries
Podcasts
Video
Services
Classifieds
Submission Forms
eEdition
Newsletter Sign-Up
Events
Our Company
About Us
Contact Us
Advertising
Join Our Team
© 2026 Campbell River Mirror.
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service