F.E. Madill Pickleball Courts Upgrade: The Township of North Huron celebrated the reopening of its tennis and pickleball courts at F.E. Madill Thursday morning. The project, funded in part by a $60,000 grant from the Vance Foundation, replaced old asphalt with new plexipave surfaces and introduced the first permanent outdoor pickleball courts in Wingham.
Community Effort Behind the Project
Francene Francis, Asset Management Coordinator for the Township of North Huron, explained, “Our previous Director of Recreation, she applied for a previous iteration of the Vance funds, so that really got the ball rolling for us to get this project going forward. Then we partnered with some members from the Tennis and Pickleball committee and they really told us their vision for this place because they’re the ones using it every week, if not every day.”
The Township covered the remaining costs to complete the project. The new surface reduces stress on players’ joints and provides modern recreational opportunities for residents without needing to travel to other communities.
Courts Already in Use
The courts have been open for about two weeks and are already seeing heavy use. Several Phys Ed classes from F.E. Madill are using the space. Principal Katie Wilson said, “It’s been wonderful to see this come to fruition finally and really see the community come together. As a pickleball player myself, I’m very happy that we now have an outdoor space to play in. Between our students and the community all coming out to use it, it’s been wonderful.”
Guidelines for Use
The Township of North Huron is asking residents to keep dogs off the new fenced-in courts after reports of off-leash play, to protect the surface from damage.
News in Brief: F.E. Madill Pickleball Courts Upgrade
North Huron reopened its tennis and pickleball courts at F.E. Madill with funding from the Vance Foundation and Township contributions. The courts feature new plexipave surfaces and the first outdoor pickleball courts in Wingham. Students and the community are already using the space, though dogs are not allowed.
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