Cobourg council has agreed to begin talks with the Cobourg Pickleball Club about improving the Sinclair Park tennis courts. The club is asking for a 10-year lease and is ready to match the $125,000 the town has already set aside for building dedicated pickleball courts.
Club Seeks Long-Term Commitment
David Gaudette, a founding executive of the Cobourg Pickleball Club, told council they have 250 members and recently hosted a tournament with 270 players. The group includes people of all ages, from 14 to 91. While the shared tennis courts at Sinclair Park have worked so far, they are now in poor condition.
“In our first year, we asked the town for a lease at Sinclair,”. “If we had been given a lease at Sinclair as we discussed four years ago, we would be almost halfway through our 10-year lease and would have new pickleball courts at Sinclair. What we are dealing with now is courts that need tender loving care.”(David Gaudette)
Courts in Bad Shape
David Gaudette explained that the courts have several problems. A fiberglass layer was put over cracked asphalt, but it is now rippling and bubbling. The washrooms and clubhouse also need repairs. The group’s proposal includes replacing the old surface and adding lockers to the clubhouse.
“We can make a premium facility at minimum cost to the town,”. “If I am a straight businessman, this is a deal I am jumping all over.”(David Gaudette)
The club has already saved $50,000 and plans to match the full $125,000 promised by the town once fundraising is complete. Other nearby towns built courts without help from pickleball clubs, but Cobourg’s club is willing to contribute funds.
Plans for the Future
The council passed a motion to refer the club’s proposal to staff for review. Councillor Miriam Mutton said nearby residents must be consulted, though David Gaudette noted there have been no noise complaints. He said the club is open to planting maple trees or installing a sound barrier if needed.
Councillor Brian Darling asked about tennis users. David Gaudette said only six tennis members remain and would be welcome at the Coverdale tennis club.
“We are willing to do it,”. “It’s hard for me to imagine you would turn this option down when we are willing to put our money where our mouth is.”(David Gaudette)
News in Brief: Cobourg Pickleball Club
Cobourg Pickleball Club wants a 10-year lease for the Sinclair Park courts and will match the town’s $125,000 investment. With 250 members and damaged courts, the club is pushing for repairs. Council has agreed to consider the proposal and will involve town staff for further review.
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