Pickleball Hits the Sweet Spot in Guysborough, thanks in large part to one enthusiastic advocate: Philip Hall. Often dubbed the “Father of Pickleball” in the area, Philip Hall embraces the title with pride, contributing significantly to the sport’s rapid growth in the region. What started as a recreational pastime has transformed into a thriving community event, with pickleball seen as one of the fastest-growing sports across North America.
A Flourishing Sport in Guysborough
The sport, which blends elements of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong, has grown by over 20 percent annually in some regions of the United States and Canada. Hall, a former school administrator and part-time IT consultant, has been pivotal in this growth. Through his efforts, the local pickleball Facebook group has garnered over 80 members, some of whom are regular players, while others simply have an interest in the sport.
“This past winter we had a tournament here and brought in over 30 players from Port Hawkesbury, Havre Boucher, Antigonish, as well as local. They liked to see our Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex (CLC), and we played there. We also got the school gym. All of this was supported by the [municipality’s] recreation department.”- Philip Hall
The growing enthusiasm is not just limited to casual players. Last winter, the town hosted a successful pickleball tournament that saw over 30 participants from surrounding areas, including Port Hawkesbury, Havre Boucher, and Antigonish. The pickleball event took place at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex (CLC) and the local school gym, with support from the municipality’s recreation department. Hall’s dedication to the sport has helped elevate the facilities and resources available to players in the area.
The Local Impact and Development
Hall’s connection to pickleball began just a few years ago when the Guysborough recreation department offered a pickleball instructor’s course. With some extra time on his hands during retirement, Hall jumped at the opportunity.
“Actually, I’m a tennis player. That’s probably my biggest game. So, three years ago, the recreation [department] in Guysborough said that there was a pickleball instructor’s course happening and asked me if I would be interested in taking it. So, I thought, ‘I’m semi-retired, so why not?’”- philip hall
Since then, the local pickleball scene has grown rapidly, with the CLC offering two courts and the nearby Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy boasting six courts. Additionally, the town has upgraded its tennis courts, with one now dedicated to outdoor pickleball.
Why Pickleball?
Pickleball’s popularity in Guysborough is part of a broader trend seen across many communities, particularly in areas with a large older demographic. Hall acknowledges that the sport is especially popular among older adults but emphasizes that it is not limited to that group.
“Pickleball has the reputation of appealing to folks in the [older] age group, But, it’s not exclusive by any means. It’s also a fairly easy sport to pick up. Pretty well anybody can pick up a racket and return a few balls and play, which is not the same as tennis or badminton or some of the other racket sports. It’s really quite easy to have some success. Of course, you can also get pretty darn competitive at it.”- philip hall
He notes that the low barrier to entry allows beginners to quickly find success on the court, while more seasoned players can still enjoy a highly competitive game.
News in Brief: Pickleball Hits the Sweet Spot in Guysborough
Pickleball is rapidly growing in Guysborough, thanks to the efforts of local advocate Philip Hall, who has helped expand interest and resources in the area. Hall, often called the “Father of Pickleball,” started as an instructor a few years ago and has since worked with local facilities to improve pickleball access. The town’s Facebook group now boasts over 80 members, and the sport has become a major community event, drawing participants from neighboring towns. The area’s pickleball courts, including those at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex and Guysborough Academy, have been upgraded to accommodate the growing demand.
ALSO READ: Pasadena’s Amazing Pickleball Locations: Best Pickleball Courts Ranked