Squash vs Pickleball in Windsor: As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge across Windsor, local squash players are finding themselves sidelined. A recent city report shows the significant challenges associated with installing indoor squash courts, citing space constraints and financial hurdles. The report highlights that introducing new squash facilities would require displacing current programs or constructing entirely new spaces, a costly endeavor with no allocated funds.
Pickleball’s Expanding Footprint
In contrast, pickleball enthusiasts are enjoying an increase in courts across Windsor. The city has configured four out of six recreation center gymnasiums to accommodate pickleball, including the WFCU Centre, Forest Glade Community Centre, Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex, and John Atkinson Memorial Community Centre.
“You can tell it’s something that’s really accessible to a lot of people,” says Kim Stroesser, a pickleball player at the WFCU Centre. Stroesser highlights the sport’s appeal, particularly for those who find tennis less accessible due to joint issues, showing why pickleball has quickly gained traction in the community.
Squash Courts in Short Supply
Currently, Windsor’s squash community is left with limited options. The Caboto Club, housing one of the city’s only squash courts, has become a hub for displaced players since the closure of the Windsor Squash and Fitness Club last year.
“Windsor Squash used to have 500 to 600 members. Around 200 have signed up here at Caboto just to access the limited resource of one squash court.” – (Gino Barzotto)
The only other court in the city is located in the private Westchester Place condominium complex. “The city definitely needs to provide us with another facility to play squash,” Barzotto adds, reflecting the growing frustration among players who feel their sport is being overshadowed by the pickleball boom.
Squash Players Demand More Support
Despite the growing demand for squash, the city’s administration has cited multiple reasons for not adding more courts. The report indicates that installing a squash court in an existing facility would monopolize space that could otherwise be used for various programs. Moreover, any new construction would come with significant financial costs, with estimates starting at $450,000—funds that are currently unavailable in the city’s 2024 10-year capital project plan.
The disparity in funding is evident when compared to pickleball. For instance, adding a pickleball court configuration to the Optimist Community Centre would cost an estimated $150,000, a much lower barrier for the city to address.
Spencer Chappus, a former member of the Windsor Squash and Fitness Club, expresses the frustration felt by many squash players.
“It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose or new. You have extra room next to some tennis courts? Why not add a squash court? I’ve never seen a squash court go unused for more than 40 minutes in my whole entire life.” – (Chappus)
While acknowledging the city’s investment in pickleball, Chappus insists that more should be done to support the squash community.
“This is just a cheap, easy investment for the city to make to keep the people happy—and that’s pickleball. But I think if they really want to help a real community of people that need it, we do need some squash courts around Windsor.” – (Chappus)
News in Brief: Squash vs Pickleball in Windsor
As pickleball’s popularity soars in Windsor, local squash players are frustrated by the city’s lack of indoor facilities. A city report highlights significant challenges in installing new squash courts, including space limitations and high costs, with estimates starting at $450,000.
In contrast, pickleball courts are widespread, with four out of six city gymnasiums already configured for the sport. Despite growing demand for squash, city officials cite financial and logistical barriers, leaving players like Gino Barzotto and Spencer Chappus feeling overlooked and demanding for more support.
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