Tecumseh’s Plan for Pickleball Noise Solutions: The Town of Tecumseh is ready to apply for a provincial grant aimed at funding the installation of noise barriers at Zekelman Pickleball Complex and Shawanoe Park. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to enhancing the playing experience while addressing growing concerns over pickleball noise levels.
A Growing Sport in the Community
Since its opening in 2022, the pickleball complex at Lacasse Park has quickly become a focal point for local sports players. Meanwhile, the Shawanoe Pickleball Courts, which transitioned from tennis to pickleball in 2014, have also seen an increase in usage.
The estimated cost to install noise barriers at both facilities ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, prompting the town to request the maximum amount of $500,000 from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
Innovative Acoustic Assessment
Beth Gignac, the Director of Community and Recreation Services, reported to the council that a noise assessment was completed in April. The town is actively collaborating with Dillon Consulting, an acoustic engineering firm.
“This is one of the first such studies that’s actually ever been undertaken for pickleball in Canada and puts us out on the leading edge in terms of understanding the acoustic impacts of this sport.” – (Beth Gignac)
Councillor’s Vision for Expansion
Councillor Tania Jobin remarked on the sport’s exponential growth and expressed a desire to see it expand further within the town.
“I’m looking forward to having more conversations with Ms. Gignac to have some courts out in the south end, and maybe it could be called Petretta Pickelball. I don’t know, it’s got a good ring to it.” – (Tania Jobin)
Economic Impact Highlighted
The discussion also touched upon the broader economic implications of pickleball for the community. Mayor Gary McNamara emphasized that the sport is driving significant economic activity.
“Sports tourism is taking off and that’s the other piece too, I know we’re investing, but it’s also bringing a lot of investment back into the community as well.” he remarked before the motion to apply for the grant passed unanimously.
News in Brief: Tecumseh’s Plan for Pickleball Noise Solutions
The Town of Tecumseh plans to apply for a provincial grant of $500,000 to install noise barriers at the Zekelman Pickleball Complex and Shawanoe Park. The cost of the installation is estimated between $250,000 and $500,000.
Director of Community and Recreation Services, Beth Gignac, highlighted that a noise assessment was completed, marking a significant study in Canada. Councillor Tania Jobin expressed interest in expanding pickleball courts, while Mayor Gary McNamara noted the sport’s positive economic impact on the community.
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