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Sports Facility On Track For July Finish

Jun 11, 2018 | 6:43 AM

It’s full steam ahead for the new pickleball facility being built in Marshall Field.

Anne Longley from the Vernon Pickleball Association says the club will manage the 12-court facility under a five year lease with the City.

“So right now, the construction is ongoing, we’ve got members down there helping out, the hydro is in, and we’re well on our way to have it completed by mid-July.”

Longley says they’re still looking for donations to complete the project, with a surge of recent support.

“In the past month, the Vernon Pickleball Association members, as well as other donors, have put up nearly $70,000 to ensure this is going to be completed this summer.”

The regional district also provided a 300-thousand dollar grant for the facility.

Longley says pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America, and more court time is needed locally.

“Right now, we’re at 350 members and growing, and the dedicated courts will certainly help to meet those needs, now and in the future. We’re expecting a lot more young people to start taking up the sport.”

The new facility is located just north of the indoor soccer centre in Marshall Field.