POA unveils new and upgraded pickleball courts

The Canyon Lake POA celebrated the opening of two new pickleball courts and the resurfacing of four existing ones at a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. The event, attended by 75 people, was enhanced by a beautiful sunset over the lakefront courts.

Bill Van Vleet, President of the Canyon Lake Property POA, spoke at the ceremony and highlighted the sport’s growing popularity in the area.

“Pickleball is a dynamic sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis,” Bill said. “With these two new courts, we now have a total of six courts for our community’s enjoyment.”

Bill acknowledged the efforts of several individuals and groups critical to the project’s success, including Canyon Lake POA General Manager Eric Kazakoff, Director of Operations Steve Schneider, and the Facilities Planning Committee, led by Steve Libring. He also praised the 2022/23 Board of Directors for approving the funding and the Operations Staff for their role in completing the project.

Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon With the sun setting over Canyon Lake, it didn’t take but minutes for these members of the Canyon Lake Pickleball Club to take to the new courts after the ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

Sue Muscarella, a member of the Pickleball Club, expressed appreciation for the new courts, noting their impact on resolving previous conflicts over court availability. Julie Doherty, representing the Pickleball Club’s 521 members, thanked the POA staff and Board for their commitment to the sport.

Dale Welty, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Canyon Lake, recognized the collective efforts in promoting pickleball and presented certificates of appreciation from the city.

“These are probably the nicest courts in all of Southern California, with a beautiful lake view and community unity,” Kimberly Keigwin, a former member of the Pickleball Club board, said.

Cathy Lekawa, another resident, also praised the courts for their beauty and usefulness.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the courts and a potluck provided by the Canyon Lake Pickleball Club.