Windsor, Ontario, is about to set a new precedent for racquet sports in Canada with the opening of the country’s first facility that will feature courts for squash, pickleball, and padel all under one roof. The Windsor Racquet Club, located at Central Park Athletics, is slated to welcome players of all three sports early next month, marking a significant moment for the local community.
Phase One: A Fresh Start for Squash and Pickleball
The Windsor Racquet Club will open in two phases. The first, a 10,000-square-foot area, will offer one squash court and three pickleball courts, set to be ready by December 1.
The second phase, scheduled for completion in April, will expand the facility by an additional 16,000 square feet, featuring two padel courts, two more squash courts, and two additional pickleball courts. The first squash court construction began earlier this week, as work progresses toward the grand opening.
The arrival of the Windsor Racquet Club comes after the Windsor Squash and Fitness Club closed its doors last December, leaving the city’s squash community in need of a new home. Anis Khan, the founder of the new facility, expressed how crucial the new location is for Windsor’s racquet sports enthusiasts.
“Ever since the Windsor Squash Club closed last December, our squash community has been looking forward to the opening of another location,” Khan said, emphasizing that Central Park Athletics was the perfect fit.
“I have a team. We looked at a few other locations, but they didn’t work out. Central Park Athletics was the best location for this.” – ( Anis Khan)
Filling the Gap for Squash Players
With squash nearly extinct in Windsor following the club’s closure, the new facility couldn’t come at a better time. There are only two other courts available locally: one in the basement of the Caboto Club, often unavailable, and another inside the Westchester Place condominium.
“There were dead courts. The ball wouldn’t bounce as much in certain areas. You could see paint chipping off the walls.” – (Adam Mansour)
For young players like Adam Mansour, the reopening of a proper squash facility is a game-changer. “This is amazing. I’m really excited. It’s a new opportunity now for me to play squash again,” said the 14-year-old player, who recalls the decline of the old facility.
The Rise of Padel: A Sport Gaining Momentum
While pickleball has established its roots in Windsor, padel is still a budding sport in the area. Played on an enclosed court with walls that allow the ball to bounce during rallies, padel is rapidly gaining a following worldwide.
For players like Jason Baker, who had been driving across the border to Michigan to play, the opening of the new facility is a welcome change.
“It’s a hassle to cross the border and drive 40 minutes. “So, this is going to be much better. I’m excited to play so close to home.” – (Jason Baker)
A Vision for the Community
For Anis Khan, the Windsor Racquet Club is about more than just creating a space for elite athletes. It’s a place for the next generation to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment.
“This has been one of my dreams, to have a club where juniors and youth can come, play squash and other sports and stay out of trouble.” – (Anis Khan)
Khan’s vision comes from his own roots as a player, having been introduced to squash at the age of six, and seeing his children grow up in the sport.
Affordable Access for All
To ensure accessibility, the Windsor Racquet Club will operate on a pay-per-use or membership basis. While Khan did not specify exact fees, he assured that the costs would be much lower than those in major Canadian cities like Toronto or even the U.S. The goal is to make the facility accessible to everyone, from youth newcomers to seasoned players.
News in Brief: Windsor Racquet Club
Windsor, Ontario, will soon be home to Canada’s first multi-racquet sports facility, the Windsor Racquet Club, which will feature courts for squash, pickleball, and padel. The club opens in two phases, with the first phase, including squash and pickleball courts, ready by December 1.
The expanded facility will offer padel courts starting in April. This development fills a gap left by the closure of the Windsor Squash and Fitness Club, offering local athletes, including youth, a new venue for sport and recreation.
ALSO READ: Menomonee Falls Welcomes Pickleball Kingdom’s Massive Indoor Pickleball Facility