Orillia Pickleball Club Court Funding: The Orillia Pickleball Club is seeking funding for eight new outdoor pickleball courts at the Orillia Recreation Centre, a $2 million project delayed due to lack of provincial grant funding. Club president Frank Corker urged council to include the courts in the 2026 capital budget.
Club Raises Funds for Courts
Frank Corker told council,
“There is absolutely unanimous agreement in our pickleball club executive that we will have $50,000”
ready for the project. Last year, council requested a $10,000 commitment, which the club has now increased fivefold. Funds will be transferred once construction begins.
Corker formed the Orillia Pickleball Club in June, and it has grown quickly. Pickleball is now played indoors seven days a week at the Orillia Recreation Centre. Outdoor courts are available at Tudhope Park, Homewood Park, and Walter Henry Park.
Funding Challenges
Council approved the project last September, contingent on provincial grant funding. Marcia Russell, Orillia’s Director of Recreation, Youth and Culture, applied for funding through the 2024 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, along with requests for a skateboard park and the Orillia Curling Club roof repair. In June, Russell informed council the grants were not approved.
Next Steps in Budget Process
Councillor Tim Lauer recommended including the courts, skateboard park, and curling club projects as priorities for the 2026 budget. Mayor Don McIsaac noted the projects are in the city’s 10-year capital plan. The budget for 2026 is being reviewed in stages, with the final public meeting scheduled for October 20 at 1 p.m.
The goal is to have the budget adopted before the end of 2025. The council is also reviewing funding adjustments to allow the projects to proceed using reserve balances.
News in Brief: Orillia Pickleball Club Court Funding
The Orillia Pickleball Club is advocating for eight new outdoor courts at the Orillia Recreation Centre. President Frank Corker confirmed the club has $50,000 toward the $2 million project. Provincial grant funding was denied, and council will review the courts as part of the 2026 capital budget, with final approval expected by year-end.
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