The Merritt Pickleball Club’s new outdoor home is ready for action, on four sleek new courts located on the lawn bowling property.

In Sept. of 2020, the Thompson Nicola Regional District officially approved a request to allocate $130,000 to the City of Merritt to fund the construction of four new pickleball courts. The $130,000 was granted from the federal gas tax funds.

“We are very grateful to the people and organizations that have made this possible,” reads a press release sent to the Herald by Merritt Pickleball Club representatives, which also includes a “special thank you” to Brian and Sylvia Defoe for getting the sport of pickleball off the ground in Merritt.

“We greatly appreciate the TNRD and the City of Merritt who have been instrumental in getting our new facility up and running.”

Merrittonians of all skill levels are invited to come down to the courts for regularly scheduled play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30a.m. to 11a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6p.m. to 8p.m., weather permitting.

“Everyone is encouraged to come and give it a go!”

A grand opening will be scheduled for the spring when weather is more favourable, and assumedly the COVID-19 pandemic will be more under control.

The Pickleball Club will continue to share the facility with the lawn bowling grounds. They will be responsible for the utility bills and the general upkeep of the building.

Anyone requesting more information on the courts/sport can contact Gary @ 250-280-0105, or Aston @ 250-378-5691.