Lakeshore boasts six new outdoor pickleball courts at ATC

By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Pickleball is the real dill! The sport continues its rapid growth in Canada with more players, more associations and a new pro league.

In Lakeshore, Pickleball has seen a spike in popularity, which initiated a recent survey to garner feedback from local pickleballers. The result – six dedicated outdoor courts have been refurbished at the Atlas Tube Centre.

Earlier this month, the Lakeshore Pickleball Association held its FUN3 tournament at the ATC – that included around 30 participants.

Chris Moore, is a new member of the board with the Lakeshore Pickleball Association.

“We’re here today to engage in some exercise, reduce isolation, build friendships and meet those living in our area,” he said. “We want to thank the Municipality, council and Frank Janey for this beautiful new facility. It will allow us to offer even more tournaments like this – get more players out and get them involved.”

The Moore says that the Association was formed last Fall as the demand for courts began to increase.

“With the increase, we found we needed some form of organization to oversee administration and create a way to offer local tournaments.” said Moore. “Together with the Municipality we’re working toward offering clinics and beginner lessons. We’re looking to grow the sport in Lakeshore.”

Most importantly, he says its important to make sure everyone feels included.

“It can be a little intimidating coming out your first few times,” he added. “We are an association where we can invite participants to learn in a non-threatening, non-judgemental environment and provide the basic beginner equipment…like paddles and balls…and do it safely.”

He shares that there is a lot of evidence that participating in Pickleball and other racket sports increases longevity and helps seniors with cognitive ability.

Players say it’s similar to games like ping pong and tennis, melding them into a sport that values community and competition.

Overall, Canadians say they are playing pickleball because it’s fun, its social, and for its health and fitness benefits. Pickleball remains popular among older adults, but the growth in numbers is coming from younger adults – particularly those aged 18 to 34.

Typically, Lakeshore’s tennis and pickleball courts are open to the public starting May 1, but shifting weather patterns and warmer temperatures have led to longer seasons for the courts.

 

Currently, Lakeshore is home to outdoor pickleball courts at five different locations, including the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre, Leffler Park, River Ridge Park, Maidstone Park, and Lighthouse Cove Lions Community Park, with more to come! Indoor pickleball programming is also offered at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre and Comber Community Centre.

Derek Candido and his wife Lisa have been playing pickleball for around a year.

“This is really good exercise for us, as well as expanding our social circle,” he said. “I try to get out as often as I can depending on my work schedule and the weather…it’s a great way for me to start the day.”

The next Fall FUN4 all tournament takes place on Monday October 7 at the ATC. Check out their Facebook page at Lakeshore Pickleball Association.