The Town of Newmarket is considering a new home for local pickleball at George Richardson Park.
Staff proposed a 14 to 20-court facility be built there to help accommodate the rising number of pickleball players. Council reviewed the proposal Dec. 4, requesting further information about potential issues at the location before it finalizes a decision.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said the sport is growing rapidly.
“I don’t want to be planning for only today, we need to be planning for tomorrow,” Taylor said, adding the town does not have much space in its geography to pick between multiple locations. “It does put pressure on us to be creative.”
The proposal would be on the north end of the park, taking over a mini soccer field there. It would include a scaleable clubhouse facility and the possibility of a winter bubble to allow play in the colder months.
The location is an alternative to a previously proposed location at Lions Park using existing tennis courts. After the investigation, staff said there were space and parking limitations at the Lions Park location.
That was met with some positive reception, as the Lions Park proposal could have come into conflict with the community hockey rink that uses the courts in the winter.
“It does not make sense to lose all tennis courts and shut down free hockey for kids,” Chris Howie, who runs the rink, said on social media.
But the new location could have its own challenges. Area resident Craig Bates said his property backs onto the field. He said he would likely use a pickleball facility but raised concerns about light and noise abatement.
He also said parking could be an issue and suggested that the court location be adjusted in the park to avoid as much impact on neighbouring residences.
Councillor Jane Twinney thanked Bates for the presentation. She said she would be consulting with residents within the ward and would like to see some of the questions addressed.
“I would like to reach out to residents that would feel the direct effect of it,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Tom Vegh said he is excited about the prospect of the facility. But he said noise would likely need to be addressed.
“Pickleball will be very popular from morning to night,” Vegh said.
Staff will bring back an amended report to council next week addressing the issues raised by Bates. As far as light abatement, director of recreation and culture Colin Service said staff do not plan to add illumination to the park, instead relying on the natural light of the summer and a lit-up bubble for the winter if bubbling happens.
Taylor said the town has to be diligent on the issue and listen to residents.
“We have to take a look at all of this and listen to what the feedback is, and try to make the best decision we can,” he said.
