Pickleball Expansion in LaSalle Sparks: LaSalle’s pickleball enthusiasts face a significant challenge: a burgeoning demand for court space amidst a limited supply. With only five dedicated pickleball courts in town—two at Heritage Park and three at Vince Marcotte Park—the LaSalle Pickleball Association (LPA) has been formed to address this issue. “The ultimate goal is to add more courts,” explained Scott Vickers, an IT specialist and LPA board member. “This is the first step.” This initiative took a significant leap forward on July 23rd, when LPA representatives proposed adding six pickleball courts at Gil Maure Park, aligning with two existing tennis courts.
Temporary Solutions and Community Engagement
To mitigate the immediate shortage, the LaSalle Event Centre began offering indoor drop-in pickleball sessions in early July. These sessions, available for a $5 fee, run from Tuesday to Thursday, with options for both morning and afternoon play, and an evening session on Wednesdays. Janet Andersen, an LPA member and nationally certified pickleball coach, emphasized the growing appeal of the sport during a recent “Learn to Play” lesson. “It’s just a great game and it keeps on growing,” she noted. The LPA’s membership quickly surged to 200, with high demand leading to a waiting list for “Learn to Lessons” and “Level Play.”
Community Integration and Player Experience
Despite the high demand, LaSalle pickleball players often enjoy a welcoming environment. Vickers suggests visiting Marcotte Park in the mornings, where seasoned players frequently offer guidance to newcomers. Renee Burns, a regular player, described the community spirit: “It’s like Cheers where everybody knows your name.” On weekends, the popularity of pickleball means that players often wait in line for their turn, with courtesy extending to limiting play to two games at a time.
A Growing Movement
Personal stories highlight the sport’s broad appeal. Andrea Tynkaluk, who initially dismissed pickleball as “dumb and for old people,” was persuaded to try the game on Mother’s Day. The experience was so positive that she now actively plays and has joined the LPA. “The age doesn’t matter in this game,” Tynkaluk observed. “It’s skill level.” The LPA’s efforts also include structured sessions at the LaSalle Event Centre, where courts are designated for different skill levels to foster growth and development among players.
Future Plans and Community Support
The collaboration between the LPA and the Town of LaSalle aims to develop both indoor and outdoor pickleball facilities to accommodate the sport’s growing popularity. Cherie Green, an LPA board member, highlighted the reliance on volunteers for lesson support and player assistance. The Town Council’s decision on July 24 to convert two tennis courts on Front Road into dedicated pickleball courts is a significant victory for the LPA. “The LaSalle Pickleball Association is very happy!” exclaimed Dave Bussey, LPA president, marking a positive step toward meeting the community’s pickleball needs.
News in Brief: Pickleball Expansion in LaSalle Sparks
The LaSalle Pickleball Association is addressing the high demand for pickleball courts in town by working with the local government to expand facilities. Recently, they proposed adding six new pickleball courts at Gil Maure Park, aligning with existing tennis courts.
The LaSalle Event Centre is offering indoor pickleball sessions to manage the current shortage, with sessions running through August. Membership in the LPA has rapidly grown, reflecting the sport’s increasing popularity. A recent town council decision to convert two tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts represents a significant advancement for the local pickleball community.
