As pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, the Inclusive Place of Pickleball, or IPOP, will be opening its first location in British Columbia with the goal of expansion. Chris White, the CEO and founder of IPOP, discusses the benefits of the game and future plans.
“The most important word in our brand is inclusive – we are adaptable and want to be everywhere. Our brand is focused on maintaining mental health, improving lives in the long run, and aging healthily. This is why we are focused on creating an optimal pickleball centre with the best courts, quality programming, and a streamlined, enjoyable experience for the customer,” says White.
White’s journey and IPOP’s mission
During the pandemic, White found himself looking for connection, which led him to pickleball.
“During Covid, it was a really rough time for a lot of people. I was alone a lot of the time and didn’t have any interaction with people. Then I came across a park called Keswick Park, where people were playing pickleball, and I was intrigued by the sound and the laughter I heard. I rode my bike over and saw these people, all masked and spread out, playing pickleball. That day, I was there for four hours. I just made this group of friends, and I didn’t think about anything else. All I could think about was how to get back to that court the next day – pickleball saved my life.”
White’s new passion turned into a business opportunity.
“When the weather got bad in Canada, there were very limited options for playing indoors. That is when I saw a problem and a business opportunity. IPOP was born from the need to create a space where everybody could play, regardless of weather or other barriers. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to enjoy the game. This isn’t just about playing pickleball but about building a supportive, connected community. Our goal is to bring inclusive pickleball to the masses and secure access for future generations.”
White is making IPOP accessible to everyone no matter what barrier, including wheelchair accessibility.
Expansion plans
IPOP is planning to open in the Lower Mainland area this winter. Before this, IPOP was using temporary locations in British Columbia.
White says IPOP is working on three locations in British Columbia: the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Victoria, and Nanaimo. Okanagan is planned to open next summer, Victoria by 2025, and Nanaimo by 2026.
IPOP is also exploring opportunities across Canada, with plans to expand to Montreal next year. As the business is adaptable, it can go into different types of locations, such as retail and industrial areas. White says IPOP needs spaces with high ceilings and open areas for multiple courts, free of obstructions like columns.
Adaptable concept
“As we are adaptable, we can put our concept into many different places, not just prime retail spaces but also industrial areas and raw land. We are also exploring other places in Canada, such as Quebec, Manitoba and Ontario. Our goal is to be where we are needed and create spaces that bring people together through the game of pickleball.”
White also mentions that shopping malls are ideal for their accessibility and foot traffic but is considering outdoor spaces like parking lots.
“Whether it is a vacant lot, an old grocery store, or a section of a mall, we can make it work. The key is to find a space where we can create an optimal playing environment and build a strong community.”
To reach expansion goals, IPOP has partnered with Aurora Realty Consultants.
IPOP also offers programs for first responders, youths, and contributors to make pickleball accessible.
“We raise money through our tournaments and then subsidize those groups because they may not have financial access.”
Spreading awareness and health benefits of pickleball
White says pickleball offers a variety of health benefits: a full body workout and improved heart health, agility, and coordination.
“If you really want to improve your mental health, the fastest thing you can do is go to the local pickleball court, meet people, and play pickleball. You will feel better and be on the path to improving your longevity and mental health.”
He adds that pickleball improves physical fitness, reduces stress, and brings a “strong sense of community and connection.
To promote pickleball’s health benefits, White partners with universities and collaborates with organizations like the BC Lung Foundation for research.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone can play and feel part of the community. As we expand, we are excited to bring the joy and benefits of pickleball to more people across Canada. With a focus on health, community, and inclusivity, IPOP aims to make pickleball a sport that all can enjoy, ensuring a lasting impact on both mental health and physical well-being.”
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