Niagara-on-the-Lake Indoor Pickleball Facility: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club is asking the town to support a new indoor facility that could be used all year. The proposal was made during a committee meeting on Tuesday, with Joy Sanguedolce speaking on behalf of the club to local council members.
Club Growth and Current Locations
Joy Sanguedolce told the committee that the club now has 570 members. It began with just 60 members eight years ago. The club currently uses four sites for scheduled games: the community centre, Central Niagara, Virgil Sports Park, and a sportsplex in Niagara Falls.
“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada with especially high demand here in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” (Joy Sanguedolce).
Vision for an Indoor Facility
The club would like the new indoor space to be at the community centre, but it is open to other places too. The town would build and own the site. The facility could use existing washrooms, which would help save money.
Sanguedolce said the new building would make it easier for more people to play, improve community ties, and bring visitors to town—just like a 2024 tournament that drew 300 players.
It would also help reduce complaints about outdoor noise and support health and wellness.
Council Members Respond
Councillor Adrianna Vizzari suggested including the club in future planning for parks and recreation. Councillor Maria Mavridis asked whether the new facility would be used only for pickleball or shared with other sports like soccer and lacrosse.
“I’m just looking to see how everyone could play together,”(Maria Mavridis).
Sanguedolce agreed the club was open to sharing. “We’re open to any of those options,” she said.
Councillor Gary Burroughs asked about the project’s cost. Sanguedolce replied that she would rather “take offline” that part of the discussion, saying she “doesn’t want to be held to a number” yet.
Membership Demographics and Local Benefits
Joy Sanguedolce shared that 47 percent of the members live in Niagara-on-the-Lake. More than half are women, and 75 percent are aged 56 to 75. Councillor Sandra O’Connor questioned whether the club should be seen as local since over half of its members are from other areas.
“Because all our games and our facilities are in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” (Joy Sanguedolce in response).
She added that the club already pays rent to the town for indoor use and would do the same for the new building.
“We would want to consolidate all of that rent and give it to the town,” .
Facility Type and Funding Plans
Councillor Wendy Cheropita asked if the club wanted a solid building or something like the bubble-style sportsplex in Niagara Falls.
“We are open, from an aesthetics standpoint, to whatever the town feels is most appropriate,”(Joy Sanguedolce).
Councillor Erwin Wiens asked if the club would support a fundraising campaign.
“Absolutely,”. “We really think the community could get behind this.”(Joy Sanguedolce )
News in Brief: Niagara-on-the-Lake Indoor Pickleball Facility
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club has asked the town to help build an indoor facility. The club says the space would support health, grow tourism, and reduce outdoor noise. Town council is considering the idea, and the club is open to fundraising and sharing the space with other sports.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Facility in Midland to Open by 2027 with Outdoor Courts and Youth Programs