New Pickleball Facilities in Brant County: The paddle sport of pickleball, combining elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis, is gaining momentum across the globe, and Brant County is no exception. As interest in this engaging sport continues to rise, the county has responded to the growing demand with expanded facilities and new opportunities for play.
Growing Demand in Brant County
Lisa Koekoek, the county’s recreation co-ordinator, highlighted the increasing popularity of pickleball in Brant County. “There’s been a huge demand for pickleball, especially over the last year,” Koekoek told The Spectator. To meet this demand, the county has enhanced its indoor pickleball options throughout the fall and winter and has introduced pop-up pickleball courts in several local parks. These pop-up courts feature lines painted on surfaces akin to basketball courts, though players are required to bring their own nets.
Outdoor Pickleball Venues in Brant County
Brant County offers several outdoor pickleball locations, each catering to different preferences:
- Dawdy Park, 80 Hartley Ave., Paris: This park provides three dedicated pickleball courts available from dawn until dusk. However, the courts are reserved from 8 to 11 a.m. on weekdays and Wednesday evenings for the Brant County Pickleball Group.
- Burford Community Centre, 14 Potter Dr., Burford: At this park, the tennis court is converted into two pickleball courts, open from 7 a.m. until dark.
- Mount Pleasant Park, 555 Burtch Rd., Mount Pleasant: This location features two pickleball courts on the tennis court, accessible from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Gaukel Memorial Community Centre, 7 Gaukel Dr., St. George: The tennis court here offers two pickleball courts available from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. outside of tennis hours. Access requires a key, which can be purchased online through COB Connect for $20 annually.
Outdoor Pop-Up Courts
There is establishment of several outdoor pop-up pickleball courts in Brant County , marked with lines on surfaces similar to basketball courts. Players will need to bring their own nets, though the County of Brant Public Library offers nets for borrowing:
- Optimist Park, 11 Catherine St., Paris
- Bemrose Park, 56 Whitlaw Way, Paris
- Rest Acres Ridge, 40 Long Ln., Paris
- Sunnyhill Park, 87 Sunnyside Dr., St. George
Indoor Pickleball Opportunities
Preferring indoor pickleball venue in Brant County, there are many provided registered pickleball sessions last year at schools, churches, and community centres. The upcoming fall program guide, set to be released on August 29, will outline this season’s indoor pickleball offerings. Registration will open on September 16, with sign-ups for 55-plus pickleball sessions beginning at 10 a.m. and general programs starting at 6 p.m.
In summary, Brant County is meeting the rising interest in pickleball with an expanding array of indoor and outdoor facilities, catering to both seasoned players and newcomers to the sport.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Facilities in Brant County
Pickleball’s popularity continues to soar in Brant County, prompting expanded facilities and new opportunities. Lisa Koekoek, the county’s recreation co-ordinator, noted a significant increase in local interest over the past year. In response, the county has added indoor pickleball locations for the fall and winter and introduced pop-up courts in several parks, where players must bring their own nets.
Outdoor venues include Dawdy Park, Burford Community Centre, Mount Pleasant Park, and Gaukel Memorial Community Centre. Indoor sessions will resume this fall, with registration opening on September 16.
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