The Municipality of Lakeshore has entered into a five-year agreement with the Lakeshore Pickleball Association (LPA), starting May 1, 2025. This partnership grants the LPA exclusive use of six newly refurbished outdoor pickleball courts at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre. The agreement also includes an option for two additional five-year terms.
Exclusive Court Time for LPA
Under the terms of the agreement, the LPA will have 34 hours per week of exclusive access to the courts. This deal comes as the association continues to see growth in its membership. LPA board member Chris Moore shared that the association worked closely with the municipality on the proposal submitted one year ago.
“Our numbers are growing quite rapidly so we’re very excited about that, to be able to offer some leagues, some times, lots of drop in sessions so people can join, we’re trying to get new people to join, people who are interested in the sport, we can help them explain the rules, do some beginner clinics, things like that.” – (Moore)
He added that the organization aims to offer leagues, drop-in sessions, and beginner clinics to attract new players and help them understand the game.
Membership and Fees
Moore also mentioned that the LPA currently has 202 members and is accepting new sign-ups through the Pickleball Canada website. The cost for membership, including insurance, is around $55 per year. A portion of this fee goes toward a $2,000 annual rent payment to the municipality.
“We have a fee, it’s a nominal fee, and part of the cost on Canada Pickleball is insurance, and I think the total cost is maybe is $55 with the insurance fee, and that’s for a yearly membership.” – (Moore)
“That’s part of what the membership payment goes to support that, and really that money will then used to refurbish courts, or to buy sunshades, so the money paid by the members ultimately goes back into pickleball through the municipality in our community.” – (Moore)
This funding will be used to maintain the courts, add sunshades, and improve other aspects of the facility.
Looking Ahead
Play at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre is expected to begin within weeks. This agreement follows a similar deal made in 2022 between Tecumseh and the Tecumseh Pickleball Association, granting them exclusive use of courts at Shawanoe Park and Lacasse Park.
News in Brief: Lakeshore Pickleball Association
The Municipality of Lakeshore has signed a five-year agreement with the Lakeshore Pickleball Association for exclusive use of newly refurbished courts. The deal, starting May 1, 2025, includes 34 hours per week of court access and a $2,000 annual rent payment, with funds reinvested in the community.
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