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S
aint Albert Pickleball

On August 25, 2018, the official Grand
Opening for twelve new pickleball courts in St.
Albert, Alberta was celebrated by at least 100
attendees. The opening ceremonies included a
fun tournament, ribbon cutting, and speeches by
a number of dignitaries, including the mayor of
St. Albert, Ms. Cathy Heron, and the president of
Pickleball Canada, Mr. Doug Thomson.

The new pickleball courts took over eighteen
months to complete, from the initial idea of from the province of Alberta for this project.
refurbishing derelict tennis courts until the official
grand opening. The club was involved throughout The courts were completed on time and on
the entire process from initial design through final budget. They feature a durable outdoor sports
construction. surface, a walkway with benches between the two
rows of courts, wheelchair accessibility, and large
In November 2017, St. Albert City Council voted swinging gates that open inwards and outwards to
for a budget of $275,000 for the courts to each court.
the cheers of approximately 60 club members
wearing club shirts and joyfully waving paddles SAPC had just six members when it was founded
in the council chamber. The St. Albert Pickleball in fall 2014. Today, it has more than 500 members,
Club (SAPC) applied for and received a $125,000 with more joining all the time. Thanks to the
Community Facility Enhancement Program grant efforts of the SAPC board and the support of
its members, there
are now 18 outdoor
courts in St. Albert
(the twelve new ones,
plus an original six
concrete courts in
another location) for
club members to enjoy
during the outdoor
season.

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