New Pickleball Complex in Orillia: A new eight-court pickleball complex is set to enhance recreational opportunities at the Orillia Recreation Centre, pending the acquisition of provincial funding. This project received enthusiastic approval from over 40 local pickleball enthusiasts during a recent city council meeting.
Funding and Development Plans
Frank Corker, president of the Orillia Pickleball Club, has confirmed that the city has submitted a funding application to the Ontario Ministry of Sport. The potential project, which also includes an “intergenerational skate park” and an adventure playground, has a total budget of $2 million, primarily sourced from the province’s community sport and recreation infrastructure fund.
Corker emphasized the importance of developing a facility that meets professional standards.
“We are very specific about the court size and how much space we need to have between courts for safety purposes. The city has agreed to not put anything in that’s half-baked. It’s going to be very (pickleball) specific.” – (Corker)
Addressing Local Demand
Corker noted that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America, yet the community currently faces challenges in accessing proper facilities. “Homewood (Park) is the only court,” he lamented while mentioning the four “makeshift” courts on the concrete slab at Tudhope Park, which do not meet ideal conditions.
“There’s another in Walter Henry Park, but it lacks space, parking, and maintenance.” – (Corker)
The proposed facility’s proximity to the Orillia Recreation Centre is expected to significantly benefit the local pickleball community. If funding is secured, Corker anticipates that construction could be completed by May 2025, coinciding with an anticipated increase in player demand.
“The fastest division of growth in pickleball is between eight and 34 years old. Us old guys will be outnumbered quantumly by that age group when we get these courts.” – (Corker)
Community Support and Additional Initiatives
Corker expressed gratitude to local officials for their backing, including Marcia Russell, the city’s manager of recreation services; Meagan Visser, the recreation program supervisor; and John McMullen, the manager of park planning.
Avid skateboarder Mark Watson, co-owner of Pocket Skate & Vintage, is also optimistic about the project’s impact. He hopes that the council’s approval will pave the way for a $1.5 million skateboard park in the coming years.
“It all depends on that grant going through. If they get the grant, I think we are going to be in good shape.” – (Mark Watson)
Watson highlighted the potential for a new skateboard park to invigorate the local skateboarding scene. “We need something new,” he said, demanding modern amenities that enhance safety and foster skill development. He emphasized the importance of retaining local talent, stating,
“Right now, kids leave to go skateboarding as soon as they get their (driver’s) license… But to bring people from other cities to see a quality skate park and enjoy our town is what we’ve always wanted to do.”
News in Brief: New Pickleball Complex in Orillia
A new eight-court pickleball complex is proposed for the Orillia Recreation Centre, pending provincial funding. Over 40 local pickleball enthusiasts welcomed the council’s approval, with a budget of $2 million sourced from the Ontario Ministry of Sport.
Club president Frank Corker emphasized the need for professional standards and expressed optimism about meeting growing community demand. A new skateboard park is also on the agenda depending on grant approval, which could significantly benefit local sports.
ALSO READ : Crazy Ape Pickleball Challenge Upcoming This September with Great Excitement
