OUR ORGANIZATION |
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Saskatoon Pickleball Incorporated (SPI) was registered as a not-for-profit organization in 2017. We have an elected Board of Directors who, along with our membership works to build partnerships with organizations at all levels to support the recognition and expansion of pickleball as an organized sport in the City of Saskatoon and surrounding area. The primary goal of Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. is to provide access and information regarding the sport to of pickleball for persons of all ages and abilities. We work to secure indoor and outdoor pickleball facility options in the City of Saskatoon and area. We aim to facilitate the growth of pickleball by organizing and communicating information regarding public recreational and competitive play venues and schedules, recreational tournaments, competitive tournaments, referee clinics, coaching clinics, and player skill development clinics.
Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. has been very active since incorporation. Details of our growth can be read in the President's year end reports provided below. Moving forward, the Board of Directors will continue to collaborate with the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Soccer Centre, Pickleball Saskatchewan and other local, regional or national clubs and organizations to develop and implement programs/activities that meet the needs of our growing pickleball community. We will continue on with the core values and guiding principles of our organization: physical fitness and exercise, player skill development, wellness and friendships, diverse programs, safe, healthy and respectful environments. |
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Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. 2026 Board of Directors
On April 9, 2026, SPI held its Annual General Meeting. Many thanks to the people who attended. SPI’s newly elected Board of Directors is comprised of: President: Theresa Kirkpatrick Vice President: Curtis Larson Treasurer: Ray Basler Secretary: Paul Rogal Past President: Marilyn Barrington Members at Large: Dan Brown, Scott Matheson, Quinton Mytopher, Cindy Ritchie, and Cheryl Windrim. The Board extends its gratitude and best wishes to outgoing board members: Pat Flaten and John Grainger. |
MEET YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Theresa Kirkpatrick (President):
Throughout her working career, Theresa Kirkpatrick has always enjoyed being busy. That has not changed since she joined SPI’s board. The retired journalist and communications expert first played pickleball in Arizona in 2018. It was love at first sight. Sports have always been important to Theresa and she was a sports journalist and editor for many years at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Saskatoon Free Press. She also spent a few years running her own communications business before finishing her career focusing on internal and later, executive communications at Cameco. Her previous board experience is extensive including the Saskatchewan Tennis Association, Saskatoon Women’s Network and volunteer boards for several different national curling events in Saskatoon, two World Junior Hockey championships and a World Junior Volleyball championship. During that time, Theresa built strong leadership skills which has been a benefit to SPI. She has found pickleball has definitely kept her busy in retirement, helped with overall fitness, a sense of purpose and provided her with very good friends. |
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Curtis Larson (Vice-President):
Curtis Larson has always been a problem solver. Retired at the start of 2022, Curtis worked for 28 years at the University of Saskatchewan in various positions. It was first with the Facilities group and then with the College of Medicine as research manager and then the last 12 years with Health Sciences as the director of operations for the Health Sciences building. He also was president of ASPA for two separate terms (2001-04 and 2019-21) where he led the negotiation teams for two collective agreements at USask as well as being a member of the executive for a number of years. He was appointed to various university committees over the years as both a member and as chair that dealt with both administrative and academic issues. He started playing pickleball after retirement and has found it rewarding on and off the court. Curtis has the ability to listen and understand when there is a problem or issue that needs attention. SPI and the sport of pickleball have allowed him to keep active and meet new people. |
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Ray Basler (Treasurer):
Ray Basler knows strong leadership makes any organization better and it’s very lucky to have him on the SPI board. Ray started playing pickleball in 2017, but after playing for a couple of years, he was sidelined for two years with an injury. He stayed involved in the game on the board level and has used his vast experience to help steer SPI along its journey. Ray is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and originally worked with Deloitte, but the bulk of his career was with the Calian Group and was CEO for the last 10 years prior to retirement in 2015. In addition to his experience on the Calian board, he was on the board of the Canadian Light Source (the synchrotron in Saskatoon). SPI is his first start-up volunteer based not-for-profit board. His extremely strong background in finance has helped SPI’s growth immensely and brings a working knowledge in the areas of computers and software platforms, legal, governance, organization and process, and business writing. But beyond the numbers, he says there are the obvious fitness benefits including mobility, flexibility, and stamina, but it’s the added benefits of camaraderie, teamwork, friendships and general socializing are what really counts. As a board member, it allows Ray to share his skills in a manner that helps to keep order and discipline in our fast-growing club while at the same time enhancing the experience for all SPI members. |
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John Grainger (Secretary):
John Grainger blames his love of pickleball on his wife after she dragged him to the Father Basil Markle courts four years ago. She promised he would have fun and he did. Recently retired after a lengthy career in journalism, John is a newcomer to the board and is providing communication support. He ended his working career as the editor of the USask alumni magazine as a communications specialist. Previously, he was Managing Editor of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and has worked in the daily newspaper world in Lethbridge, Calgary and Victoria. John also owned and operated a sports retail business in Saskatoon for five years. As a board member of Saskatoon Youth Soccer and the Saskatoon Soccer Centre for four years, he helped provide guidance and direction for both entities. He was on the soccer centre board of directors when Uptown Jack's became a reality. He’s quite happy to offer any kind of communication help to SPI. After all, if he hadn’t listened to his wife, he wouldn’t know what he was missing in Saskatoon’s pickleball world. |
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Marilyn Barrington (Past President):
Marilyn Barrington has always thrived when busy and her life with SPI has been no different. As past president of SPI, Marilyn witnessed and participated in the massive growth pickleball has seen in the last five years in Saskatoon. She first started playing pickleball in 2018 and saw SPI grow from a very small organization to what it is today with more than 1,100 members. Witnessing that has been rewarding for her just as was her career in the educational field in Saskatoon and consulting with multi-disciplinary teams across Saskatchewan. She retired in 2016 and has served on boards for several non-profit organizations and has been on the SPI board since its inception. Marilyn has taken that experience to the provincial level and is currently serving as a director on the Pickleball Saskatchewan Inc. board. Her strong history in dealing with facilities, grants, sponsorships and fundraising has benefitted SPI tremendously over the years as has her strong communications skills. She refers to pickleball as the “everything” sport. She loves the fun, social factor while competing and staying fit, and at the same time volunteering with the SPI board to provide great experiences for our fabulous pickleball community, which just keeps on growing. |
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Dan Brown (Member at Large):
As COVID’s grips eased, Dan Brown was introduced to pickleball in 2020. It gave him an opportunity to stay active and meet new people and try a new sport. Dan retired in February 2018 and is very happy to have found this sport and the people who are involved in it in Saskatoon. He has a lengthy background of more than 30 years experience in accounting, administration and facilities management with consulting/construction management engineering firm. He was happy to join the SPI board in 2025 in an effort to enhance everyone’s pickleball experience, just as his own experiences have benefited his life. |
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Pat Flaten (Member at Large):
Pat Flaten is coming up to her third anniversary of playing pickleball as she picked up a paddle for the first time in December 2022. She has jumped into role with both feet as a board member in an attempt to improve her court skills as well as the court skills of her fellow SPI members. Pat retired in 2022 after spending her working career in the agriculture industry, soil and crop management, specifically and in research, research funding and extension. Her interest in good governance and bringing value to SPI members are the drivers to her participation on the board. She has been on the board of her professional organization (including as president), on ag boards, and on various church and denominational boards give her well-earned experience. However, it’s the fun she’s found on the pickleball court and the many meaningful friendships she’s developed along the way, not to mention the benefit of becoming more fit, which has enhanced her life greatly. |
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Scott Matheson (Member at Large):
If there is a new sport to try, Scott Matheson will try it. He picked up a pickleball paddle for the first time in 2019 in Surprise, Ariz., after a neighbour asked him to give it a try. Scott has been deeply involved in the sporting world for years, including a stint as a Nutana Curling Club director, Curl Saskatoon director and president for two terms; media director for three Briers hosted in Saskatoon, and by running high-level competitive women’s curling bonspiels for many years. An avid golfer, he has also organized many tournaments over the years. Now retired, Scott came from the automotive repair and fleet management industry, owning an auto repair shop before joining SaskTel and managing a fleet of vehicles and equipment. He is adept at problem solving and troubleshooting and has wonderful people and project management skills. While still very active in other sports, pickleball has expanded his social circle tremendously. |
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Cindy Ritchie (Member at Large):
You could say Cindy Ritchie knows courts of all kinds. She retired in July 2021 from the Department of Justice and Attorney General as the director of court operations for Court of Queen’s (now King’s) Bench and provincial court and a presiding Justice of the Peace as part of that role as well. Soon after her retirement, Cindy started playing pickleball on a new court. She takes her experiences from several boards role as director managing the daily operations of Court Services with her to SPI’s board. Her strengths are effective communication, collaboration, time management, organization, flexibility, teamwork and strategic thinking while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. But the best part of having Cindy as part of the board are the fun she brings on and off the courts as she makes new friends and lasting relationships with fellow players. |
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Paul Rogal (Member at Large):
Paul Rogal has been playing pickleball for about 18 months after being encouraged to play by a friend and was soon hooked, like many of us. Paul worked for more than 30 years at the University of Saskatchewan in the College of Kinesiology. He’s been involved with many boards over the years including Sask. Badminton, minor football as well as other intramural and recreational sports. He also has experience working for and volunteering for provincial sport governing bodies, as well as experience through work in sport facilities and sport management. Getting involved at the board level in the spring of 2025 has enabled Paul to meet new friends and kept him very active in retirement. |
FORMER BOARD MEMBERS |
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Former Board Members Shelley Augustin 2023-25 Nina Henry 2019-25 Dexter Wyse 2021-25 Glenn Stumburg 2019-23 Tim Archer 2019-22 Dennis Boyle 2019-22 Kelly Howey 2021-22 Vivian Laturnus 2021-22 Kent Archer 2017-21 Betty Beaton 2017-21 Doug Brown 2019-21 Joanne Kachur 2021-21 Doug Kramble 2019-21 Dave McLean 2017-20 Blaire Saunders 2019-20 Barbe Walter 2019-20 Brent Cooper 2019 Bob Godwin 2017-19 Nick Kalyn 2019-19 Joanne Cliff 2017-19 Ron Balezantis 2017-19 |
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YEARS in REVIEW
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At the SPI AGM held in March, members were given an update on SPI highlights from 2025. It was another busy year for Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. (SPI)! The club finished 2025 with a record membership of 1,310 – up just slightly from 2024.
Indoors at the Saskatoon Kinsmen/Henk Ruys Soccer Centre, SPI operated four two-hour sessions, Monday through Friday on16 courts October – June and two two-hour sessions, Tuesday through Thursday, during the summer. Our foundational programs included four levels of bucket play, singles and mini-singles, drill sessions, and reserve-a-court. We also accommodated special groups and had limited evening and weekend play. The Player Development Committee was very active, offering members 43 classes plus 19 Assessment Sessions for Advanced and A+ bucket play. SPI also hosted Referee Training (complemented by a new “Get Tourney Ready” Program) and supported members in obtaining NCCP Coaching Certification. SPI continued to host Pickleball Saskatchewan player development clinics in 2025 and support National Coaching Certification Programs. Outdoors, our partnership with the City of Saskatoon ensured that members had SPI-dedicated times to play at both the Father Basil Markle and UMEA park pickleball courts. For the third time, SPI hosted a very successful Pickleball Saskatchewan Provincial Tournament in June. This tournament set a record for participation with 375 players. The tournament was supported by an army of some 167 volunteers involved in the tournament committee and eleven sub-committees. There were also 24 referees who officiated 95% of the tournament matches. With help from some new grants from Pickleball Canada, as well as support of our title Tournament sponsor, Carget , and the rest of the tournament sponsors, SPI was able to stay well within budget for the event and put net profits into a fund that will be used to support SPI’s future facility improvement and expansion endeavors. Prior to the tournament, SPI was able to secure grants from the City of Saskatoon Sport Projects Grant and the Jeux Canada Games Foundation, which helped the club purchase a new set of Swiftnets. We work continuously to ensure that SPI has a foundation built on solid governance, fair processes and financial discipline. We operate with a volunteer board that puts in countless hours of personal time, as do the members of 10 subcommittees of the board. We communicate with members regularly through our newsletters, Facebook posts and website so everyone has up-to-date information. In closing, let’s continue to play the game we love in 2026, in a welcoming atmosphere where people respect one another, where safety is top of mind, and where integrity is a given in everything we do. |
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2024 was a jam-packed year for the club. Before outlining why, it’s important to note that the hard work and commitment of OUR VOLUNTEERS (Board, committees and special events) is what makes everything possible. Every bit of selfless time donated helps to make life better for others in our pickleball community. Thank you ~ you may not hear this often enough, but your efforts are noticed, you matter, we’re grateful and we couldn’t do it without you!
One of the biggest undertakings in 2024 was the RESURFACING OF ANOTHER PITCH at the Saskatoon Kinsmen Henk/Ruys Soccer Centre. The project, with a cost in the range of $230,000, was co-funded by Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. and Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. (SSCI). A grant of $25,000 from New Horizons for Seniors was very helpful. SPI has been fundraising for this project since completion of the first 8 indoor courts. Moving forward, we promise to put your membership fees to good use by maintaining and expanding quality facilities. Our membership started off at 727 in January and grew to 1301 by the end of December, 2024. Needless to say, the PROGRAMMING Committee was challenged with how to schedule Bucket Play, Reserve-a-Court, Special Groups and other activities such as lessons to meet the needs of everyone. This year, our club saw a shift to more scheduling of assessed levelled buckets. Our ratings team was busy doing club assessments and passing that information on to the Programming and Sign-Up Genius teams. We’re confident that this has led to more skill-alike matches and an improved playing experience for the majority of players. The PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Committee was very busy! Free Introduction to Pickleball Lessons were held, almost weekly, with 3 to 4 people in each session. Multi-week lessons were organized indoors during the fall and winter months: Novice Skills and Drills; Novice Plus Practise and Play; Intermediate Practice and Play; and a program for advanced players called “Dink, Drop, Drive, Play.” A five-week series of summer clinics called “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” was also offered. SPI also hosted Pickleball Saskatchewan Player Development Clinics and was the host club for the National Coaching Certification Program. We’re pleased to say that five people in our Club obtained NCCP Level 1 certification and two obtained Level 2 Certification. SPI subsidized these players so that we continue to be well-equipped to offer quality lessons to our membership at affordable prices. All Player Development activities were well-attended. Our PARTNERSHIPS with the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. continue to be very strong, allowing us secured times to play both indoors and outdoors. The FACILITIES team works at keeping equipment in order, maintaining courts and always finding opportunities to expand the play times we can offer to our membership. Evenings and weekends continue to be a challenge, but with every passing year, we’re able to secure a bit more Prime Time. Who can forget the “Spring Fling” and “Fall Reset” TOURNAMENTS. Fun times for all! In 2024, SPI was successful in its bid to host the 2025 Pickleball Saskatchewan Provincial Tournament ~ stay tuned ~ Uptown Jack’s will be rockin’ June 6th to 8th! The chair of our Referee Program will be reaching out to increase our local pool of referees, please consider getting involved. FUNDRAISING and Grants is a must for our club. Thanks to those who secured the Pickleball Superstore Affiliate Program, “New Horizons for Seniors” and “MAP Grants,” and continue to seek out other funding options. Our COMMUNICATIONS Team had a few new initiatives in 2025. They brought in a monthly “Spotlight on Volunteers” and posted these in our newsletter and on Facebook. They also introduced a line of SPI Branded clothing in partnership with The Soccer Locker. Members were able to place orders in June and again in October. It’s great to see our logo out there ~ and if you want pickleballs on the butt of your shorts, we offer it!!! We continue to PROMOTE PICKLEBALL in the larger community by offering lessons for schools and volunteers to help with special events (Kidsport Corporate Challenge), or special group gatherings. These are a great way to introduce others to the sport we love and grow our membership. SPI also hosted the Pickleball Saskatchewan Meet and Greet, a great way to liase with clubs from throughout the province. The BOARD OF DIRECTORS continues to work on policies and practises that ensure our club is a well-run organization that provides tremendous opportunities for everyone to be involved in the game of pickleball. Whether you’re just getting started in the game, want to come out for a fun (yet competitive match) or wish to take your game to the highest level, you’re welcome. |
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On Thursday April 11, 2024, SPI held its Annual General Meeting via zoom. Many thanks to all the members who attended ~ 2023 was a great year ~ we appreciate your support!
We would like to thank Glenn Stumborg who left the Board in 2023. Although he is no longer a Board Member, Glenn continues to play a key role within SPI overseeing the School Group Lessons in the Spring and Fall. Also, he recently joined the Pickleball Saskatchewan Inc. Board of Directors and plays a key role advocating for all players in the province. We thank Glenn for his past, and ongoing efforts to support pickleball. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Pat Flaten and John Grainger who joined the Board this year. Aside from regular board responsibilities, Pat will help with organizing the various components of our Player Development Program, and John will bring his expertise to Communications and Marketing. The New Board of Directors consists of: EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Theresa Kirkpatrick - President Nina Henry - Vice President Ray Basler - Treasurer Shelley Augustin - Secretary Marilyn Barrington - Past President DIRECTORS AT LARGE Pat Flaten, John Grainger, Curt Larson, Scott Matheson, Cindy Ritchie, Dex Wyse |
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2023 was a very busy year for SPI. Our membership on January 1st was 458 and by December 31st it had grown to 1,150. With a huge increase in membership, the club was busy scheduling programs (bucket and reserve-a-court) for all skill levels and providing many lesson and special group options such as:
SPI entered into an Affiliate Program agreement with Pickleball Superstore (Smash Nation), based in Saskatoon. Members and friends now enjoy 10% off of most regular priced online purchases made through our coupon code “10SPI”. SPI’s fundraising team has actively sought grants to support our players. In 2023, there was huge sponsorship support for the Provincial Tournament and we received further income from the PSI MAP Grant funded by Sask Lotteries. All fundraising activities go to support our players and facility enhancement. Our Facilities and Partnerships team continues to advocate for more player time. As a result, we have secured additional court time on Friday mornings at Father Basil Markle Park (we can now play there five days a week). At Uptown Jack’s we have secured more evening play times on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as weekend play on Saturdays. As always, we thank the Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. and City of Saskatoon for their continued support of SPI and our players. A major project this year was the installation of windscreens at Father Basil Markle Park. It has made a huge difference for players. The porta-pottie at FBM is also a welcome addition!!! And who can forget the announcement that SPI and the Saskatoon Soccer have partnered to cost-share the development of 8 more courts at the Soccer Centre. Read the article below … We have a lot of work ahead in 2024! The Board works continuously on developing policies and practises to ensure we are a well-run organization that adheres to our values of being welcoming, respectful, ethical, transparent, and safe. We can’t thank our volunteer team enough because without them working behind the scenes we wouldn’t have the luxury to play in superb programs on fantastic indoor and outdoor courts. Thank you, thank you. Have a great 2024 – we welcome your help in supporting our continued growth as a club. Board of Directors Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. |
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2022 has been a great year for pickleball players in Saskatoon. Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. grew in many ways, despite starting out 2022 in the context of government public health restrictions due to the pandemic. Here are some of our accomplishments, thanks to a dedicated group of both Board and non-Board volunteers contributing to the ongoing operational and financial success of Saskatoon Pickleball Inc.
Marilyn Barrington President Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. |
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Seasons greetings to our Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. community! 2021 is winding down, and weʼve been enjoying lots of great pickleball play and camaraderie, outdoors at Father Basil Markle Park and upgraded Umea Park, and now indoors at Uptown Jackʼs, our newest state-of-the-art pickleball facility!
Looking back on 2021, our Club has experienced incredible progress and accomplishments, all in the challenging context of a global pandemic. This is largely thanks to our volunteers, our members, our partners and our Board of Directors. SPI Volunteers, I canʼt thank you enough for your continued support! You have answered the call to assist with the roll-out of programs and you have provided extreme vigilance as we keep our Pickleball community safe, adhering to Public Health Orders and our Proof of Vaccination Policy. You continue to share the day-to-day workload, providing a safe, fun, and orderly environment for our 560+ members, and for that, our whole Club is very grateful! And thank you to each of our 560 SPI members for your support! Every act showing your support, patience and understanding is recognized and appreciated. You are supporting our community by respectfully adhering to SPIʼs POV protocols, answering Covid-screening questions daily, chipping in to set up and take down equipment, providing input, and having patience as our Board of Directors sets protocols and monitors programs to meet the needs of our membership. I also acknowledge our partners, Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. and the City of Saskatoon for believing in our vision of pickleball gathering hubs and believing that “if we build it, they will come.” We are proud of our partnerships that helped create Uptown Jackʼs, Father Basil Markle Park and Umea pickleball facilities. Our partnerships together with our supportive parent organizations, Pickleball Saskatchewan and Pickleball Canada are highly-valued. And last but not least, I acknowledge the leadership and ongoing work of the SPI Board of Directors. Our team has worked tirelessly in 2021 on several focused areas including the special Uptown Jackʼs project, the Umea court expansion, the PSP 2021 tournament, and ongoing Committee work in programs, communications, finance, volunteers, strategic planning, facilities, governance, player development, membership and fundraising. Their efforts position us well for future growth. Enjoy the festive holiday season with your loved ones! Check out Sign Up Genius for the bonus SPI Prime Time opportunities for both Reserve and Open Bucket play. And most important of all, letʼs stay safe and vigilant with our Covid-19 precautions, so that we are able to continue to enjoy all of the benefits of SPI Club pickleball play into the 2022 winter season! Marilyn Barrington President, Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. |
2020 |
While the events of 2020 changed many aspects of our daily lives, and continue to do so, Saskatoon Pickleball Inc., alongside the City of Saskatoon made the required adjustments within the Saskatchewan Public Health Order restrictions, and we forged ahead to serve players to the best of our ability. Nothing pleased us more than seeing your happy faces and hearing the sounds of laughter, cheers, and ball pops at the new Father Basil Markle Pickleball Park.
Despite the pandemic, 2020 saw great growth in interest in the sport of pickleball in Saskatoon in terms of total player numbers, venues, play options and volunteers. Here are some of the highlights of 2020:
2021 will be a better year for pickleball players in Saskatoon, with perhaps even more projects in the works, and Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. encourages everyone to stay motivated (maybe even catch a little of the upcoming APP Tour!) and to stay connected. We hope everyone remains healthy and safe, and we look forward to re-convening play at the pickleball courts soon! Cheers to the New Year! It’s going to be a better one! Marilyn Barrington, Acting President, Saskatoon Pickleball Inc. |
OUR PARTNERS |
The City of Saskatoon, Department of Recreation and Community Development, promotes community-based sport, culture and recreation programs. It supports SPI with access to outdoor and indoor pickleball facilities and with the promotion and expansion of the sport of pickleball.
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In 2020 SPI developed a partnership with the Saskatoon Soccer Centre Inc. (SSCI) to resurface the Uptown Orthodontics soccer pitch at the Saskatoon Kinsmen/Henk Ruys facility. Lines for eight pickleball courts are on that pitch along with markings for soccer, volleyball and ball hockey. SPI now refers to that pitch as "Uptown Jack's."
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Pickleball Saskatchewan was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2013. Its mission is "to promote the growth of pickleball for all, for life" The PSI website has a wealth of information pertaining to pickleball clubs, activities, places to play and learning opportunities in Saskatchewan and beyond.
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In 2009 a group of players created what is now known as the Pickleball Canada Organization. The purpose of PCO is "to develop and sustain a dynamic, integrated Canadian system that promotes participation, competition and excellence in pickleball.”
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