Pickleball club celebrates new courts at AGM

Three additional pickleball courts are under construction next to the existing courts. Use of the existing courts continued during some phases of the construction, but will be shut down for short periods. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The Tillsonburg Pickleball Court celebrated the in-progress construction of three new courts during its annual general meeting on May 4.

President Diane Peacock gave credit to council, most of whom were in attendance at the event, for recognizing three courts is not enough for the growth in the community. She said the addition of three more courts is a significant milestone.

“I truly believe we are the envy of so many communities and cities around us,” Peacock said of the town having six courts.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said the new courts are funded 90 per cent by development charges, which are generated each time a builder takes out a building permit. Only 10 per cent of the cost is being funded from the tax levy. Weather pending, she said the plan is to open the courts June 2.

“We’re the first community to get new courts this year,” the mayor explained, adding the tender was done last fall to allow this early in the season.

The additional three courts will allow tournaments to be hosted in Tillsonburg.

Adam Kannawin, manager of parks and facilities, told those at the meeting that the existing courts will be shut down for short periods until the new ones open to allow melding the two court surfaces together. This will create a seamless look between the new and old courts.