Norfolk County Pickleball: In recent years, pickleball has surged in popularity throughout Norfolk County, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Brian Humphrey, vice-president of the Simcoe Pickleball Club, shared insights about the sport’s growing community.
“We started the club a year-and-a-half ago,” Humphrey said. “We have 100 members and we’re expecting to double our numbers every year as the sport continues to grow.”
A Sport for All Ages
Humphrey attributes this growth partly to the aftermath of COVID-19. “Post-COVID, after all of that isolation and being stuck indoors, people are looking for excitement and to try something new.”
Unlike many sports that can be tough on the body, pickleball offers a more accessible option. “We have a lot of older people and seniors wanting to learn how to play and there’s a lot of reasons for that,” he explained. “When you think about it, there aren’t a lot of recreational sports that you can start, learn, and improve at that age.”
The Social Side of Pickleball
As a relatively new addition to the sports landscape, pickleball also fosters a strong social atmosphere. Club members frequently travel to nearby towns like Tillsonburg and Brantford for matches. “There is also an online app that helps a player find a court and connect with someone at the same level to arrange a match,” Humphrey noted.
The Simcoe Recreation Centre boasts six indoor pickleball courts, while additional outdoor courts can be found across Norfolk County in locations like Courtland, Langton, Port Dover, Port Rowan, Waterford, and Windham Centre.
Controversy in Turkey Point
Despite the sport’s growing appeal, not everyone is on board with the proposed expansion of pickleball facilities. In Turkey Point, some residents, including Jim Keary, are voicing concerns about plans to establish courts on green space in Turkey Point Park.
“This grass land is also used yearly for the Turkey Point festival and in the evening and in the late fall and winters you will see up to a dozen deer grazing,” Keary said. A protest against the proposed location of the courts is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Keary believes the former Turkey Point Provincial Park Golf Course on Old Hill Road would be a “perfect location” for the courts. He also pointed out that there are underutilized tennis courts on the beach behind the Turkey Point Hotel that could be adapted for pickleball.
The County’s Response
Norfolk County officials acknowledge the pushback from residents. A spokesperson explained that while Turkey Point Park has been identified as a potential site for the courts, no specific location has been finalized.
“The initial proposal from the Turkey Point Pickleball Committee suggested Turkey Point Park as the site; this is still under discussion and no formal approvals have been made,” said Jarah Stefek, the county’s supervisor of corporate communications and customer service.
“Some residents, particularly those with opposing views, have raised concerns about not having had the opportunity to fully express their opinions during the meeting,” Stefek added, emphasizing the need for community dialogue.
The community remains divided on the issue. “The community is clearly divided on the issue, with strong opinions on both sides,” Stefek noted. “Norfolk County’s formal process includes a comprehensive community consultation, which will give all stakeholders a chance to provide input before any decisions are made.”
A Look Ahead
As Norfolk County works on a master recreation plan to guide future projects, no new initiatives will be approved until ample community feedback is gathered. This pause allows for thorough consideration of the diverse opinions surrounding the proposed pickleball courts, ensuring that the needs of the wider community are met.
News in Brief: Norfolk County Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity is surging in Norfolk County, with the Simcoe Pickleball Club boasting 100 members and expectations to double annually. However, controversy arises as Turkey Point residents oppose plans for new courts in Turkey Point Park, citing existing uses and environmental concerns.
A protest is scheduled for Sept. 20. Norfolk County officials acknowledge community division and are committed to a comprehensive consultation process before any decisions are finalized, with new projects on hold until the master recreation plan is complete.
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