NOTL Pickleball Club Donates to Community Groups: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club, a prominent organization in Ontario’s pickleball community, has made a significant impact with its recent $2,000 donation to local causes. The funds, raised from a spring tournament featuring over 100 participants, were distributed among three community groups, highlighting the club’s commitment to social responsibility.
As the club welcomes a new board of directors and pauses new memberships, it also faces the challenge of reopening its outdoor courts in Virgil, which have been closed for two years due to noise issues.
Community Contributions
The funds, gathered from entry fees paid by more than 100 participants in June’s tournament, have been distributed among three significant community entities. Newark Neighbours and Red Roof Retreat each received $500, while the Central Community Centre’s Community Crew program was awarded $1,000. This generosity shows the club’s dedication to giving back and supporting local initiatives.
Leadership and Membership Update
In addition to its philanthropic efforts, the club has appointed a new board of directors for the coming year. The leadership team includes Dragana Simao as president, Tim Lutton as vice-president, Kevin Van Niekerk as treasurer, and Stephanie Howcroft and Barb Bailey as co-directors of systems and administration. Joy Sanguedolce will serve as the social director, and Ron Pychel will oversee on-site operations.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The club, known for its rapid growth, has paused new membership registrations temporarily. Meanwhile, players eagerly anticipate the reopening of the outdoor pickleball courts in Virgil, which have been closed for two years due to noise issues.
The Town of NOTL has purchased large acoustic panels to mitigate noise, but initial installation efforts faced setbacks due to the weight of the panels exceeding the fence’s capacity. A town contractor will soon reinforce the fence, with the courts expected to resume operations by mid-August.
News in Brief: NOTL Pickleball Club Donates to Community Groups
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club has donated $2,000 from its spring tournament proceeds to local organizations, including Newark Neighbours, Red Roof Retreat, and the Central Community Centre’s Community Crew program. The club, which boasts over 700 members, has also named a new board of directors for the upcoming year.
Although it has temporarily halted new member registrations, players are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the outdoor pickleball courts in Virgil. The courts have been closed for two years due to noise complaints, but the Town of NOTL is working on necessary fence reinforcements to accommodate new acoustic panels, with a reopening expected by mid-August.
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