Pickle ball serves up fun and fitness for all ages

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

A “Me Time” gathering at the Shaunavon Public School on January 18 drew a large turnout for an activity that has been growing in popularity across Canada over the past decade.

Fourteen people, most of whom were trying the game for the first time, enjoyed a one-hour introductory clinic to the sport of Pickle Ball, which covered basic skills and some of its unique rules.

The clinic was led by members of the local club, which has seen significant growth in membership in recent years and has undergone some notable changes.

The group is under the umbrella of the Shaunavon Wellness and Leisure Committee, resulting in changes to its scheduling and fee structure.

Members now pay a seasonal fee of $150, while drop-in participants pay

$10 per session.

Games are played two evenings a week at the Shaunavon Public School gym, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, as well as on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 pm. The season runs from September 1st to May 31st. In the past, the group has also played at the Veren Wickenheiser Centre during the summer months. The group will be looking to return to the rink after May 31, although the schedule is expected to change. The outdoor courts beside the swimming pool could also be utilized.

The changes coincide with significant growth in the club’s membership, with 35 members currently signed up for the season, including five participants from the communities of Frontier and Eastend.  A player from Val Marie, who was introduced to the sport through the Me Time event, has also been coming to sessions.

While many of the local players might be described as middle-aged (or older), younger people are also taking up the sport. It is definitely a game that can be played by people of all ages.

Over the years, the group has acquired four of its own nets, including two that were donated by Nutrien.

The pickle ballers have had as many as 28 players attend a single session, although it can typically accommodate a maximum of 16 players at a time, with most games played as doubles. On busy nights, the logistics can be challenging, but most evenings see all four courts filled, with players switching partners and opponents after each game.

“It’s a fun way to get some exercise,” offered Patty Scribner, a member of the local pickle ball committee. “And getting out with people and socializing is another big aspect of the group.”

“I think the new arrangement we have with Wellness and Leisure has worked out pretty well, and it seems to be affordable if you want to play for a season,” she added.

Local pickle ball enthusiasts are hoping that some of the people who attended the “Me Time” gathering might consider joining the group.

Anyone interested in learning more about the activity or checking out the sport is welcome to drop in at the Public School during one of the group’s regularly scheduled sessions.

In fact, the club says anyone and everyone is welcome to join the group at anytime during the year.