Orillia Pickleball Courts: The Orillia Pickleball Club is feeling confident about the possibility of new pickleball courts being built in the city. According to club president Frank Corker, the proposed facility at the Orillia Recreation Centre could position Orillia as a prime training location once pickleball achieves Olympic status. The club, founded in June, has been working alongside the city to demand more opportunities for players to enjoy the sport locally.
Meeting Growing Demand for Pickleball Courts
With a strong focus on community involvement, Frank Corker and other volunteer organizers have successfully demanded several public pickleball programs at the Orillia Recreation Centre. The gym hosts drop-in sessions seven days a week, offering accessible playing time for families and individuals of all ages.
“It’s played here at the rec centre seven days a week. There is time on Saturdays, Sundays, and evenings so kids and families can play.” – (Frank Corker)
Despite the success of the indoor programs, Frank Corker emphasizes that Orillia needs more dedicated courts to meet the growing demand. As one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, pickleball has seen a surge in popularity, and he believes the city is positioned to become a key hub for the sport.
“It’s a sport where you can just come and play. It’s something you can play on your schedule, it’s easy to learn, very economical, and it’s very social.” – (Frank Corker)
In response to the club’s advocacy, the City of Orillia has applied for a provincial tourism and culture grant. The proposed plan includes building eight provincially sanctioned pickleball courts alongside a newly approved skatepark at the Orillia Recreation Centre. Frank Corker estimates the cost of the project to be around $350,000, with the Orillia Pickleball Club contributing $10,000 toward the facility’s development.
Looking to the Future: A New Facility by 2025
For Frank Corker, the new courts represent much more than just recreational space—they’re an opportunity to attract tournaments to the region. He also pointed out that the Orillia Recreation Centre’s amenities, including parking, washrooms, and staff, make it an ideal location for such events.
“This will allow us to have tournaments. When pickleball becomes an Olympic sport, this will become a popular training ground.” – (Frank Corker)
The application for provincial funding is expected to be announced within the next few months, with hopes that the new facility will be ready for play by the summer of 2025.
“The application for provincial funding has been made and that should be announced in the next three to four months. We are hopeful that we will be playing here in the summer of 2025.” – (Frank Corker)
Executive member Vicki Reed echoed Corker’s optimism, adding that the new courts would benefit people of all ages and skill levels, particularly younger players who are taking up the sport at an increasing rate.
“There are more younger people hopping on board every day.” – (Vicki Reed)
Contingency Plans if Funding Falls Short
While the club remains optimistic, Frank Corker acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the grant application. If funding for the new courts does not materialize, the club plans to make use of existing courts at Homewood Park, the gym at the Orillia Recreation Centre, and Tudhope Park.
“We want to have dedicated times and pay for them just like the Tennis Club does for their courts. We also want to run specific programs.” – (Frank Corker)
“The kiss of death is to be too confident,” Frank Corker joked. But his optimism remains clear, as Vicki Reed added, “We are feeling pretty optimistic.”
News in Brief: Orillia Pickleball Courts
The Orillia Pickleball Club is demanding for the construction of eight new pickleball courts at the Orillia Recreation Centre. The club, led by president Frank Corker, is working alongside the city to secure funding through a provincial grant, with hopes of completing the facility by 2025.
The courts will serve as a key venue for tournaments and help meet the growing demand for pickleball in Orillia. If the grant is not secured, the club plans to continue using existing facilities.
ALSO READ: Evanston Weighs New Pickleball Courts Amidst Tennis Pushback
