Contributed by River John Pickleball Club
Home to 135 members, the new pickleball park in River John, NS is an example of how a project takes a village to make it a reality.
It started in January 2022 with a question posed on a community Facebook page to gauge interest in a pickleball facility. The post received uptake and 10 exuberant volunteers soon:
- Created a Board of Directors and registered River John Pickleball Club as a not-for-profit,
- Partnered with the Royal Canadian Legion River John Branch 108 to build the courts on their picturesque property, and
- Strategically considered how to finance the endeavour and conducted outreach, eventually receiving financial support from all levels of government, businesses, community groups and individuals.
The result: a three-court outdoor facility that’s equipped for Para Pickleball – 48” gates, 6’ walkways and extra space around the courts; a renovated, accessible washroom facility; a shade shelter; ample seating; an AED; and electricity for the washrooms and future lighting.
The Club fosters a welcoming environment and sense of belonging, and the facility serves as a gathering place for exercise and socialization – good for body, mind and spirit.
A huge debt of gratitude is owed to our ‘village’ – members, sponsors, donors, supporters, partners and volunteers – for giving time, money and/or expertise to bring the River John Pickleball Park to fruition in May 2024.
