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IPOP is Bringing Dedicated Indoor Pickleball to Burnaby and Penticton: A Game-Changer for BC!

Proposed City Of Lougheed

If you’ve played pickleball in Canada, particularly in the Greater Vancouver Area, you know there’s a serious shortage of dedicated indoor pickleball courts. This challenge looms largest during the long Canadian winters when outdoor play isn’t really an option for months.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that after years of hard work, the Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP) is opening Burnaby’s first-ever dedicated indoor pickleball facility at The City of Lougheed! This is a HUGE win for pickleball players in Burnaby and the Tri-Cities area, where the demand for indoor courts has skyrocketed.

But the big news doesn’t stop there—we’re also expanding to Penticton as part of a state-of-the-art sports facility at Peach City Sportsplex! That’s right… we’re opening not one BUT TWO dedicated indoor pickleball facilities in BC!

Many people have been asking us how we got to this point. This blog will take you behind the scenes of the who, what, where, and when of these exciting projects and show how IPOP is stepping up to meet the growing needs of pickleball enthusiasts like you across BC.

Note: These are major projects with many moving parts, so make sure you follow us on social media @ipopfun and subscribe to our email list to keep up with what’s happening and all our important dates.

Who’s Making the Lougheed Dedicated Indoor Pickleball Project Happen?

First, we’ll dive into the making of the Lougheed location, and then we’ll get into Penticton.

While many people helped along the way, here are the major players who helped bring this dream to life.

IPOP

The driving force behind this project is the Inclusive Place of Pickleball. IPOP’s mission is to provide high-quality pickleball facilities and foster a strong community of players. Our mission is to make pickleball accessible to everyone, offering a place where enthusiasts can play, learn, and grow.

Aurora Consultants

Our trusted partner, Aurora Realty Consultants, specializes in finding the best spaces for dedicated indoor pickleball. Their expertise has been crucial in identifying the perfect location within The City of Lougheed, ensuring that our new facility meets the highest standards for playability and convenience.

SHAPE

SHAPE is the real estate investment, development, and management company behind some of North America’s most impressive centres of gravity. Known for significant projects like The Amazing Brentwood and RC at CF Richmond Centre, SHAPE is also pioneering a new model for urban development at The City of Lougheed.

Proposed City Of Lougheed

The proposed ‘The City of Lougheed’ master plan — Source

Where Exactly Will It Be?

IPOP’s new facility will be at 9855 Austin Rd., in the heart of The City of Lougheed, where the old Safeway was located.

The site is easily accessible via three SkyTrain lines and has ample parking, making it convenient for players from all over the region. The surrounding amenities, including shops, restaurants, and parks, add to the appeal, providing a complete experience for visitors.

IPOP’s dedicated indoor pickleball facility will be at the old Safeway Lougheed Mall location in Burnaby, BC — Google Maps Directions

IPOPs dedicated indoor pickleball facility will be located in the former Safeway location at The City of Lougheed in Burnaby, BC — Google Maps Directions

Part of The City of Lougheed Master Plan

The City of Lougheed is a transformative $7 billion, 37-acre master-planned community in the heart of Metro Vancouver, where three SkyTrain lines converge. This ambitious project creates a mini-city with over 20 towers, new shops and restaurants, and more than five acres of parks.

Site overview of The City of Lougheed

Site Overview of The City of Lougheed

Neighbourhood One is complete, featuring 1,500 homes in four towers, a 22,000-square-foot amenity facility, and a retail experience anchored by PriceSmart Foods. With its strategic location and extensive transit connections, The City of Lougheed is set to become a vibrant hub of energy, diversity, and community. IPOP will be a significant part of it.

What’s Going To Be in the Lougheed Location?

The new facility will feature nine full dedicated indoor pickleball courts, a pro shop, a yoga space, corporate event areas, changing rooms, practice amenities, and more.

Long-term Vision

We don’t just want to put up some nets and lines — we want people to enjoy themselves and want to come back! The goal is to create a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts, offering everything needed for a top-notch playing experience under one roof.

Artists rendering of the indoor courts.

Artist’s rendering of the indoor courts.

Why Are We Doing This?

Burnaby and the surrounding areas have long needed a dedicated indoor pickleball facility. According to Chris White, IPOP’s Chief Paddle Officer, there is no dedicated indoor pickleball in Burnaby, the Tri-Cities, or even north of the Fraser River. This new facility at The City of Lougheed will be the first of its kind in these regions.

With the upcoming closure of Cameron Community Centre, which only plans to offer two multi-use basketball courts, the need for dedicated pickleball courts in the area has become even more apparent.

The numbers don’t lie: Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America (and Canada), and the demand for more courts continues to rise. Our new facility will address this shortage and provide a space where players can enjoy the game year-round.

How Did Lougheed Finally Get Done?

It takes a village to raise an idea like this from seedling to reality, meaning this project came together with the help of many dedicated people and organizations.

IPOP partnered with SHAPE, which owns and is developing the property, and Aurora Consultants, which identified the perfect space for the project. Together, these organizations have worked meticulously on the planning and development process to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards.

Besides significant business partnerships, countless others have contributed time, money, effort (their sanity!), ideas, visions, and suggestions to give us all an indoor space where we can play the game we love with friends and family. A big thank you to everyone who has and continues to help grow IPOP!

When Is Lougheed Opening?

IPOP aims to open its first dedicated indoor pickleball facility at The City of Lougheed in winter 2024—before the new year. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure everything is ready for this exciting launch. Stay tuned for updates (follow us on social media @ipopfun and subscribe to our email list).

IPOPs other new facility will be in Penticton at the new Peach City Sportsplex.

IPOPs other new facility will be in Penticton at the new Peach City Sportsplex.

Help Us Bring the Peach City Sportsplex to Life in Penticton!

Lougheed is just the beginning…

We’re also excited to announce that IPOP will be part of the Peach City Sportsplex, being developed at 955 Timmins Street, Penticton, BC. This privately financed project will transform a pre-existing warehouse into a state-of-the-art sports center featuring eight indoor and nine outdoor pickleball courts (17 courts!).

The facility will also boast two NHL-sized hockey rinks, a grand slam baseball and softball training center, a dryland strength and athletics facility with Fraser Athletics, and a licensed food and beverage viewing mezzanine. Additionally, several entry-level studio and 1-bedroom apartments will be developed to help address the housing shortage in Penticton—all at no cost to the public.

The indoor floorplan of the Peach City Sportsplex, with 8 indoor and 9 outdoor pickleball courts.

The Peach City Sportsplex’s indoor floor plan has eight pickleball courts and another nine outdoor ones (not shown).

But we need your help to make this vision a reality!

City Council is listening, and your voice can make a difference. Fill out a feedback form and show your support for more sports, training, and recreation opportunities in Penticton. Together, we can bring this much-needed space to life.

Learn more about the project here and sign the petition here!

Conclusion

The opening of IPOP’s first dedicated indoor pickleball facility at The City of Lougheed is a landmark achievement for us and the entire pickleball community.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our team, Aurora Consultants, and SHAPE, who helped turn this dream into a reality. We’re thrilled to address the growing need for indoor courts in Burnaby and beyond, offering players a space to enjoy the sport year-round.

But we’re not stopping there! With our expansion to Penticton at the Peach City Sportsplex, we’re creating even more opportunities for players across BC to experience top-quality pickleball. These new facilities mark a huge step forward in our mission to build an inclusive, vibrant pickleball community.

Follow us @ipopfun and subscribe to our email list to stay updated on both locations. Thank you for your support—we can’t wait to welcome you to the courts!

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Discover FOCUS: How Pickleball at DUPRXpress Helps Global Humanitarian Efforts

FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.

At IPOP, we believe in combining the joy of pickleball with opportunities to give back. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) as one of the proud sponsors of our upcoming DUPRXpress Round-Robin. FOCUS’s mission to provide disaster relief and long-term recovery aligns perfectly with our goal of building inclusive communities, both on and off the court.

Focus Humanitarian (FOCUS)

Focus Humanitarian (FOCUS)

What is Focus Humanitarian Assistance?

Founded in 1994 by the Aga Khan Development Network, FOCUS assists marginalized communities in becoming more resilient to both natural and artificial disasters. Their work centers on preparedness and prevention, emergency relief and recovery, and rebuilding and resettlement after crises.

As Moez Janmohamed, IPOP co-founder and long-time FOCUS supporter, explains, “FOCUS was created to help the world’s most vulnerable communities not just recover but rebuild sustainably.”

FOCUS focuses on three main areas to assist people in need.

FOCUS focuses on three main areas to assist people in need.

The Ismaili Connection

FOCUS’s mission is deeply rooted in the Ismaili Muslim community’s values, emphasizing service (seva) and compassionate action. Moez shares, “As Ismailis, we are encouraged to assist those around us to improve their quality of life, especially in marginalized communities.” This ethos of helping others, regardless of background, drives FOCUS’s global efforts.

Moez recalls how and why he became a FOCUSStar in 1994, committing to regular donations to support the cause. “Over 90% of funds donated go directly to the cause,” he adds, highlighting FOCUS’s commitment to ensuring donations make a real impact.

The Ismaili's try to assist people in need and improve the quality of life for others.

The Ismailis try to assist people in need and improve the quality of life for others.

FOCUS’s Impact Around the World

From Tajikistan’s mountains to Pakistan’s flood-stricken regions, FOCUS has made a global difference. During the 2022 floods in Pakistan, for instance, FOCUS worked with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) to evacuate over 8,000 people and provide essential supplies.

FOCUS also emphasizes disaster prevention and public education. In Canada, they’ve raised awareness through emergency preparedness kit checklists, one of which we’ll have on display at the DUPRXpress Round-Robin!

In addition, through the Ready When the Time Comes program, FOCUS has trained hundreds of volunteers in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to respond to crises like wildfires and floods.

FOCUS offers a free emergency preparedness kit checklist.

FOCUS offers a free emergency preparedness kit checklist.

Why FOCUS’s Work is So Important

Disasters—both natural and man-made—are becoming more frequent and severe, with the most vulnerable communities suffering the most. As Moez notes, “Natural disasters due to climate change are one of the leading causes of suffering worldwide.”

FOCUS alleviates this suffering by providing immediate relief and long-term recovery. They also offer mental health support, youth mentorship, and skill-building initiatives to help communities rebuild stronger. “FOCUS isn’t just about handing out supplies,” Moez says. “It’s about restoring lives and building sustainable resilience.”

FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.

FOCUS is a proud sponsor of the DUPRXpress Round-robin.

Supporting FOCUS Through the DUPRXpress Round-Robin

Just like FOCUS is more than handing out supplies, the DUPRXpress Round-Robin isn’t only about pickleball—it’s about giving back. A portion of the Round-robin’s proceeds will support Focus Humanitarian Assistance and its vital work. “Pickleball is an inclusive sport, and inclusivity is one of FOCUS’s core values,” Moez explains. “This partnership made perfect sense.”

Join us at Robert Burnaby Park on Saturday, September 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for fun, great food, and amazing pickleball action. 

A huge thank you to everyone who signed up for the DUPRXpress Round-Robin—we’re officially sold out! Over 60 players signed up to join IPOPs DUPR club and play mixed doubles games to get their official DUPR number. It’s going to be a fun, competitive, great day!

Even if you didn’t secure a spot, you can still be part of the excitement by cheering on the players and enjoying some delicious BBQ.

Plus, you can learn how to warm up properly and prevent injury from Andrea Conti, an elite personal trainer at Sandcastle 24hr Fitness Club, so you can keep playing pickleball for years to come! He’ll be on at 8:30 a.m., and then the pickleball action starts at 9:00 a.m.

Hope to see you there!

A Worthy Cause Deserving Your Support

Can’t make it to the event but would like to help out FOCUS’ worthy causes? You can support FOCUS by donating directly here. Every bit helps communities rebuild and become more resilient.

FOCUS is more than just an organization—it’s a lifeline for communities devastated by disasters. As Moez emphasizes, “The satisfaction of helping rebuild lives is indescribable. You can experience that too by supporting FOCUS and becoming part of the change.”

Donate to Focus Humanitarian to help.

Donate to Focus Humanitarian to help.

Whether you’re playing in the Round-robin or cheering from the sidelines, your involvement supports a cause that’s changing lives. Together, we can rally to support FOCUS and make a real difference in the world.

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Why You Should Get Your DUPR Number

DUPR is a pickleball rating system for everyone.

If you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably wondered, “How good am I, really? And how can I tell?”

Enter DUPR, the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating, a new system that’s about to make your pickleball life way more exciting.

What Exactly is a DUPR Number?

DUPR (rhymes with super) was invented in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, the founder of Major League Pickleball (MLP). The system was designed to be the most accurate and inclusive global rating system for pickleball players, providing a dynamic and real-time reflection of a player’s skill level across various match formats.

A DUPR number is a rating that reflects your skill level in pickleball. It ranges from 2.000 to 8.000 and is determined by factors such as the points you win, match outcomes, and the types of games you play.

DUPR is a pickleball rating system for everyone.

DUPR is a pickleball rating system for everyone. Photo from DUPR.com.

Here’s an example of how the DUPR rating system works:

Let’s say you and your partner are rated 4.0 and up against a team rated 4.5. The DUPR algorithm calculates an expected value (EV) for how many points your team should score — let’s say it’s 7 points. Even if you lose the match with a score of 9-11, you’ve outperformed your expected value by scoring more than 7 points.

Cool, right?

As a result, your DUPR rating could increase, even though you lost, because the system recognizes that you played better than anticipated against stronger opponents. This way, DUPR rewards your performance, not just the final outcome.

So, What’s the Big Deal About DUPR?

DUPR isn’t just another rating system — it’s the rating system. 

Imagine knowing exactly how you stack up, not just at your local court but compared to players worldwide.

But here’s the best part: DUPR isn’t static. It updates in real-time based on your latest matches. Play well, and your rating goes up; have an off day, and it might dip—but that just gives you more motivation to get back out there and improve.

Plus, it’s completely gender-neutral and only cares about your court performance, as we showed in the example above. Your DUPR number isn’t just about winning and losing — it’s about how well you played.

Knowing your DUPR number helps you match up with players better.

Knowing your DUPR number helps you match up with players better.

Why It’s Awesome to Know Your DUPR Number

Let’s talk about why DUPR makes pickleball even more fun.

First, it creates fair and competitive matchups, a game-changer for tournaments, round robins, and casual play alike. Gone are the days of mismatched games where one team steamrolls the other. DUPR ensures that players with similar skills face off, making every match more exciting and challenging.

And if you’re the kind of player who loves seeing progress, DUPR is perfect for you. Knowing that every point and every match can impact your rating adds a whole new level of intensity. You’ll hustle for every ball and fight for every point because it all counts.

Plus, finding similarly skilled partners for more competitive games becomes a breeze — DUPR takes the guesswork out of matchmaking, so you can spend less time coordinating and more time playing.

Check out the DUPR website for more info. If you don’t have your DUPR number yet, you can easily sign up for one here or download their app.

It's simple to get your DUPR number. Photo from DUPR.com.

It’s simple to get your DUPR number. Photo from DUPR.com.

Get Your DUPR Number at the DUPRXpress Round-robin

Want to get your DUPR number up and running (and have a bunch of fun doing it)?

Great news — IPOP is hosting the DUPRXpress Round-robin from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 21st, 2024, at Robert Burnaby Park in Burnaby, BC, and it’s the perfect chance to get your DUPR number!

The DUPR-express pickleball tournament,

The DUPR-express pickleball tournament,

And, of course, beginners are welcome (the great thing about DUPR is that it takes your skill level into account, so your rating is more about how well you played relative to your competition than just wins and losses)!

This event isn’t just about fun and competition — it’s also a BC Children’s Hospital Foundation/Focus Humanitarian Assistance fundraiser and a BBQ to get to know your fellow pickleballers better.

  • The round-robin fee is just $40 (includes a BBQ lunch and to support Focus Humanitarian Assistance and the BC Children’s Hospital)
  • Everyone plays mixed doubles.
  • We’ll enter the scores to get your DUPR number for you at the event (after you join IPOP’s DUPR club, which we’ll send instructions on).

Sound like a good time? It will be!

If you want to sing up to play in this round-robin, click this link to the IPOP website and follow the instructions.

But hurry up and register because there are limited spots available.

Conclusion

DUPR isn’t just about numbers — it’s about making pickleball more enjoyable for everyone. It levels the playing field, encourages continuous improvement, and brings players together in a global community. Whether playing for fun or looking to climb the ranks, DUPR adds a layer of excitement and fairness that’s hard to beat.

So, why wait? Dive into DUPR and see how this game-changing system can elevate your pickleball experience. Click here to register for your DUPR account today. It’s fast, free, and easy. And if you register for the DUPRxpress, we’ll send you a link to join IPOP’s DUPR club. See you there!

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IPOP’s November Pops!

Mathew Perry watching PPA finals.

Hello Ipoppers!

Time flies as much as a whiffle ball on a Pickleball court! Here comes the holiday season…while most of you migrated into community centers, gymnasiums or jetted down south, I took to month to treat my painful pickleball elbow, it’s feeling better, and with a managed “slow” return to play, it should be good for the new year. If you want to avoid this issue, check out my blog on the subject here. We’ve got some exciting news to share with all our fellow pickleball enthusiasts out there. Brace yourselves for the grand opening of the Inclusive Place of Pickleball (IPOP) Pop-Up in downtown Vancouver, BC! This temporary haven will feature 8-10 30X60 tournament-ready courts, a lounge area to chill, and a rinky-dink practice space. And that’s not all – there are plans to have a mini-pro shop to cater to all your pickleball needs.  Stay tuned for the exciting announcement coming soon…

Pickleball Elbow

Treatment time for my pickleball elbow

In a fantastic collaboration with Pickleball BC, IPOP has submitted an application to the City of Burnaby to host the BC PROVINCIALS in Spring 2023. The tournament will be co-hosted with Pickleball BC and managed in collaboration with volunteers from pickleball groups in Burnaby and New Westminster.

Further solidifying Mayor Mike Hurley’s vision for Burnaby to be the Pickleball capital of BC. You might remember the Mayor cutting the tape at the Squint Lake Pickleball courts’ official opening – an event that drew pickleball peeps from all around, as documented here.

But that’s not all – we’re gearing up for a presence at The Wellness Show on February 4 & 5 at the Vancouver Convention Center. Make sure to mark your calendars and visit our booth (143A) to soak in the pickleball vibes. Pickleball BC will have a display court set up right beside us – an exciting opportunity to showcase our sport’s charm!

We recently had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Top Spin Pickleball in Abbotsford, rubbing shoulders with legends like Brock, Doug, and even Steve Deakin!

Our Learn to Play classes in New Westminster are a hit – once again, sold out! It’s heartening to witness the growing appetite for this awesome sport, and at IPOP, we’re thrilled to nurture this new wave of enthusiasts as they form their own vibrant community within our larger pickleball tribe. Check out our January schedule [link to the schedule] and join the fun! Click here to get more information

On a recent trip to LA, I heard that Matthew Perry loved Pickleball. Of course, I had thought that maybe, just maybe, I’d be running into him on the courts or perhaps at a meeting. We have much in common, especially our love of pickleball and recovery. Somehow, I think he is running around up on that big pickleball court in the sky! RIP kindred spirit. May you find the sun on the pickleball court in the sky.

The Keswick Park Sunday morning crew is braving the cold to hone their pickleball skills and drills. From lobs to volleys, serves to game positioning, they’re committed to becoming pickleball pros.

And last but certainly not least, our survey has garnered responses from over 500 pickleheads, providing invaluable insights into the local pickleball community’s hopes, dreams, and desires. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to fill out our survey here and share it with any fellow players who can help us on our quest.

Let’s continue to build a vibrant and inclusive pickleball community together! See you on the courts!

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IPOP’s Busy Summer Recap!

We’ve been busy…..a recap of exciting updates

From gripping competitions to youth classes and charitable collaborations, the Surrey Pickleball Club (SPC) and CLASSESIPOP have been making waves in the world of pickleball. Here’s a roundup of recent events and upcoming initiatives that are taking our sport to new heights locally!

Skills and Drills at Keswick: Fostering Skill Development and Community Bonding

At IPOP, we understand the importance of continuous skill development. That’s why we introduced Skills and Drills sessions at Keswick on Sundays. Originally intended to enhance our own skills, these sessions have turned into a community affair. On early Sunday mornings, we’ve had the privilege of hosting over 40 players eager to learn focused and practical skills and drills. It’s a testament to the commitment of pickleball enthusiasts to grow and improve together.

Keswick Park End-of-Summer Tournament Fundraiser

And that’s not all! We’re gearing up for the Keswick Park end-of-summer tournament fundraiser, an event you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye out for announcements and updates as we prepare to bid farewell to summer in style, all while contributing to charitable causes through the power of pickleball.

Fundraiser’s Collaboration: Giving Back through Pickleball

We’re excited to announce our collaboration with PADS and PickleballBC for an inaugural fundraiser tournament at Robert Burnaby Park. Stay tuned for an upcoming press release, where we’ll reveal more details about this exciting event scheduled for April 2024. This tournament embodies the spirit of pickleball by using our passion for the sport to support worthy causes.

SPC’s Grip and Rip Tournament: A Resounding Success

First and foremost, we’d like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the competitors who participated in the SPCs GRIP and RIP tournament last weekend. It was a dazzling display of skill and sportsmanship, with over 360 players coming together to celebrate the sport we all love. The event was a resounding success, and we want to express our gratitude to everyone who visited our booth during the tournament.

While many players couldn’t resist the allure of the famous IPOP Pickleball Magic Power cookies (rumor has it, they might be the secret to winning gold), there was something even more remarkable that captured everyone’s attention. Two teenagers defied the odds and clinched the silver medal in the all-ages men’s doubles category. It was a heartwarming testament to the inclusive spirit of pickleball, proving that age is just a number on the courts. This is an embodiment of pickleball appeal to competitors of all generations

CLASSES @ IPOP: Nurturing the Next Generation of Pickleball Players

IPOP is honored to be at the forefront of pickleball development in the City of New Westminster. We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming beginners’ youth and teen classes, in addition to our adult Learn to Play program. Starting on Tuesday, September 19th, these classes will be held at the Queensborough Community Center. Participants can expect to dive into the foundational techniques of pickleball and gain an understanding of the rules, and basics of game strategy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn and grow in this dynamic sport.

Looking Forward to 2024: Finding the Perfect Location

As we continue to strengthen the pickleball community, we want to share our exciting plans for the future. IPOP is in the process of finding the perfect location in our local area to create a dedicated pickleball haven. We are sifting through the many options and are committed to providing a state-of-the-art facility that will cater to pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Our goal is to open this remarkable space in early 2024, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all pickleball lovers to enjoy.

In conclusion, the inclusive place of pickleball is thriving thanks to the passionate players, organizers, and supporters who make it all possible. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a place for you in the pickleball community. So, pick up that paddle, join a class, and get ready to make a difference both on and off the courts. The future of pickleball is bright, and we can’t wait to see where this incredible journey takes us next. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of something truly special in early 2024!

Yours in Pickleball,
Chris

 

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