Pickleball is sweeping across North America, and New Tecumseth is not immune to its charm. As interest in the sport increases, the New Tecumseth Pickleball Club is calling for an expansion of facilities to accommodate the growing number of pickleball fans.
“It’s exploding,” said Robert Meerburg, one of the founders of the new New Tecumseth Pickleball Club. The club, which launched just last month, has already secured a membership of approximately 87 individuals, with an additional 150 on its email list, signaling a vibrant community eager to embrace the game.
Demand for Dedicated Pickleball Courts
At a recent meeting with the local council, Robert Meerburg emphasized the need for additional playing surfaces, as the current setup is simply not enough.
“Under the provincial standard, they recommend one court per 5,000 (in population). When I’m saying dedicated courts, that is a pickleball court. That’s not a shared tennis court. That’s not a badminton court. A dedicated court has the proper line painting.” – (Robert Meerburg)
New Tecumseth currently boasts five pickleball courts at the Alliston Memorial Arena and two at Deanne Cynthia Rose Park. However, Robert Meerburg demands a minimum of nine dedicated pickleball courts, specifically designed for the sport with proper line painting, rather than shared facilities like tennis or badminton courts.
“There’s no requirement for people to be a member of the club to play because there’s open play. They want to see more courts go in.” – (Robert Meerburg)
A Community Driven by Passion
The idea for forming the New Tecumseth Pickleball Club started from a lack of accessible playing options when the courts at the arena were closed for summer camps.
“We didn’t have anywhere to go. It was clear pickleball needed a voice in New Tecumseth. We had to go to neighbouring municipalities. We are consolidated voice with council. We kind of set it up to be a mediator for the people.” – (Robert Meerburg)
The club aims to foster a sense of community among players who are looking for a more structured experience, including league play.
A Sport for All Ages
One of the most appealing aspects of pickleball, according to Robert Meerburg, is its accessibility to all age groups.
“The older generation loves the social aspect of it. But the younger generation loves the competitive aspect of it, and they love to get out there and they love to whack that ball.” – (Robert Meerburg)
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the New Tecumseth Pickleball Club’s call for more courts is a reflection of a community ready to embrace the joys of pickleball.
News in Brief: New Tecumseth Pickleball Club
The New Tecumseth Pickleball Club, launched last month, is urging the local council to increase the number of dedicated pickleball courts from seven to nine to meet the surging demand for the sport.
With approximately 87 members and another 150 on their email list, the club emphasizes the need for pickleball facilities. Founder Robert Meerburg highlights that the sport appeals to all ages, blending social enjoyment with competitive spirit.
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