The 2026-2027 pickleball season is OPEN!

The board has been working hard at a new website, acquiring and maximizing the time slots at our local school gyms, and working on accommodating different styles of play. This has resulted in significant changes to our level system, playing time slots, and signing in for play. Please read the information below to ensure you show up (and sign up) at the right time and at the right place!

New levels

• WPA is using the NEW level designations of Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Premier (no more numbered levels)
• Existing members have been assigned a level based on historical information, opportunities to advance your level will be provided via an assessment process, regressing your own level can be done on the website

New venue(s)

• Venue availability has changed, play will now rotate between Parkland School, Pineridge School and Emerado School

New schedule

• Members will at each level have 3 dedicated slots per week and at least one at 6pm. Choose to play at one, two or all three, as suits your schedule.
• Drop ins will ONLY be permitted during Open Play/Drop-in slots, members only will be permitted to play during regular member slots
• Members can invite guests to Book-a-Court slots
• Please note that the time slots are inclusive of set up and take down time

New player development

• We are working on bringing options for Player Development at all levels.
• Stay tuned for details on optional clinics (sign up and additional cost required).
• For player development at the lower levels, there will be opportunity for higher levels to volunteer during the year to help improve the play and skill, and encourage those players at a level below your own.
• For Newcomer Night, members from any level are welcome and encouraged to sign up to facilitate the learning and establishment of new members. Volunteering once a year helps us to keep the cost of player development low.

New website, sign up and sign in

• Members must check in through our new website for every time slot you intend to play
• Checking in will be available 7 days in advance on the website. Checking in also ensures you receive a notification of any last minute cancellations. YOU WILL ONLY BE NOTIFIED OF CANCELLATIONS IF YOU HAVE CHECKED IN FOR PLAY.
• Earn XP points for play - keep your streak going to earn prizes!
• Open Play/Drop-in and/or Book-a-Court slots will provide the opportunity for different levels to play together, ie. spouses/family members/friends/drop ins that play at differing levels can sign up to play together
• It is courteous to withdraw online if you are unable to play
• WPA is now cashless - all yearly and drop in fees are online
• Every player must complete the online waiver - available on the website

Why did we do this?

The new schedule, levels and advancement system is aimed at improving the quality of play for all styles of players. Those who wish to play only at their level are assured that all players meet the minimum for their level. Those who wish to play recreationally with those not necessarily at the same level have been given ample time slots to reserve a time slot (Book-a-Court) with a spouse, friend or player at another level. Those who wish to play both styles can book their time slots accordingly. As our Association grows, we endeavour to appeal to our current membership, as well as bring new people into the sport of pickleball. We appreciate your patience as we get this new system up and running.

A word about fees

An important word about our partnership with the City of Winkler Recreation Department: Beginning this season, the City of Winkler no longer wishes to allow WPA to use the school facilities under their joint use agreement, ie. free-of-charge on weekdays. Going forward, the WPA will be charged the full rental rate. This is an astronomical increase in fees. As we have already published our fees for the year and were informed only very recently of this development, the club will honour our existing fee structure for this year. Please be advised, that unless this decision is reversed or alternate arrangements can be made, you can anticipate steep fee increases for upcoming seasons. If you would like to know the reasons behind this change, we invite you to reach out to your Winkler City Council or the Recreation Department.

Any other questions, comments or concerns can be brought to Shelley Friesen, Scheduling and Club Communication WPA.

Play starts now, let's get playing! See the schedule or sign in.