Thunder Bay Pickleball Club Prepares for Relocation: The Thunder Bay Pickleball Club is relocating to a new facility at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The space, previously used by the Boulder Bear Climbing Centre, is being renovated to accommodate pickleball. The club plans to launch play in April 2025.
Volunteers are working hard to transform the space, including installing an acrylic indoor hardcourt surface and setting up permanent or semi-permanent nets. The new facility will have three full-sized courts and one half-width court for singles play and practice. Temporary courts will be available as early as next week, allowing the club to use the facility during the March school break.
“We’re all working really hard to make it happen. It’s a great location, and everyone is excited,” said Jake Krawczuk, president of the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club.
New Facility to Boost Court Space
The Thunder Bay Pickleball Club, which currently has nearly 400 members, has struggled with limited court space in recent years. The new facility will significantly increase available court time, allowing the club to offer more programs and accommodate new members.
“We’ve been capped by how much court space we have. This move will drastically increase the available court time for both current and new players,” Krawczuk said.
The facility’s renovation also includes plans for a new canteen area. Additionally, there are future plans for a second-floor viewing lounge. The new facility will provide more flexibility for the club to meet the growing demand for pickleball in the area.
Club Aims to Expand with New Location
The Thunder Bay Pickleball Club hopes to use its new space to help foster the sport’s growth. With a larger facility, they aim to offer more programming and provide better access to pickleball for members.
“We’re very excited about the growth and hope this will help us serve the pickleball community even better,” Krawczuk explained.
The club is also working with Lakehead University to explore using its gym as a backup location, ensuring they can continue to meet the increasing demand for court time.
Future Plans and Community Impact
The club’s relocation to the new facility will offer more room for growth, better facilities, and new opportunities for the local pickleball community. It is expected to provide a more enjoyable experience for current members and attract new players to the sport.
With increased space and resources, the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club is positioned to grow and support the sport in the area for years to come.
News in Brief: Thunder Bay Pickleball Club Prepares for Relocation
The Thunder Bay Pickleball Club is moving to a larger facility at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. Volunteers are renovating the former Boulder Bear Climbing Centre, and the club will begin play in April 2025. The new space will provide more court time and accommodate a growing membership.
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