Koocanusa Village is excited to announce the addition of three new pickleball courts located just north of Crystal Lake, with completion anticipated ahead of the 2026 summer season.
What began several years ago as casual driveway games between neighbours has steadily grown into a popular community activity throughout KV. Families began setting up temporary courts on driveways and quiet streets, with informal tournaments and regular games becoming part of summer weekends at the village.
The new dedicated courts are a direct reflection of that growing interest and community enthusiasm. Over the past several years, KV residents Shelley and Bruce Dingreville have helped organize play, coordinate community involvement, and support the continued growth of pickleball throughout the village.
The courts will feature a fully fenced layout and professional pickleball surfacing consisting of specialized court paint mixed with silica sand for improved playability and durability.
Temporary nets and initial court setups are already in place, with residents and guests beginning to use the courts as weather permits. Final surfacing work is planned for this spring, weather permitting.
The project itself has been strongly supported by members of the KV community.
Ray Fontaine and Rene Lavoie played a significant role in helping move the project forward in partnership with Groundbreakers during construction activity in the Crystal Lake area. Working alongside KV Properties and the KVCA, additional support and funding were secured for fencing, paint, and overall project completion.
“This project truly came together because of the significant generosity and dedication of community members Ray Fontaine and Rene Lavoie,” says Shelley Dingreville. “We are incredibly grateful for their time, hard work, and commitment to helping bring these courts to life for the entire KV community.”
Robert Peres has also played an important role in the engineering, planning, and coordination of the court surfacing and final setup.
Once complete, the courts will primarily operate as flexible drop-in play using a self-rated rotation system designed to accommodate a range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced players. Plans are also underway for beginner lessons, round robin games, and additional community programming throughout the summer season.
“The pickleball courts are a great example of the kind of community Koocanusa Village continues to grow around,” says Reto Barrington, President of KV Properties Inc. “What started organically through residents and families has evolved into a lasting amenity that supports recreation, connection, and active outdoor living.”
A soft opening is anticipated once the court surfacing is complete, with discussions underway for a larger community-focused opening event later this summer.
The addition of pickleball courts continues Koocanusa Village’s focus on creating amenities and gathering spaces that encourage recreation, connection, and active outdoor living for residents and visitors alike.
For updates throughout the season, KV members can also follow the private Facebook group: Koocanusa Village Pickleball here. Happy playing!
