Pickleball continues to grow

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Diane Peacock, president of the Tillsonburg Pickleball Club presented council with a plan to better utilize the pickleball courts in light of heavy use.

Starting by thanking council for the three new courts that opened, Peacock provided background on the club, saying it started after a conversation between pickleball players and the director of parks and recreation. They were told to form a club, and now two short years later, they have 120 members.

“The mission of Tillsonburg Pickle Ball Club is to arrange for facilities, assist and promote the growth of pickleball as a sport for all ages n Tillsonburg and foster social interaction amongst its members,” she said.

Previously the club requested council to put pickleball lines on the tennis courts, Peacock said now may not be the right time to focus on that request. Instead, she asked for dedicated court time to be set aside at no cost to the club. The hours requested were Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to noon, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings until dusk. The request was for only two courts to leave one open.

“During this time we would organize play based on skill level - learn to play, intermediate and advanced,” Peacock said.

In return, the club would organize lessons, hold clinics and open houses.

“We think this is important because there are not enough courts to accommodate the growing numbers of players,” she said.

Organization could add to safety by separating advanced and beginners. It would be fairer and more equitable, which is safer “than just people showing up and creating mayhem which is what we have now.”

Peacock also requested better signage, which would outline etiquette, and emphasize having four people on a court, and that no single games, drills or lessons are allowed.

“This game is played most times with four people and we can’t have maximum usage with one group taking over a court,” she said.

Council accepted the report for information and told Peacock a staff report is on the agenda for the April 28 meeting.