(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
The Cobourg Pickleball Club is turning to Hamilton Township to build dedicated courts for its members and the broader community.
Larry Bowman addressed council members this week and said the club has more than 200 members and continues to grow. About 40% of the members, including himself, live in Hamilton Township.
The sport is inclusive to all ages and abilities, Bowman said, with improved fitness, agility, balance and social benefits among the positives.
Court availability is limited, he noted.
“With proper facilities, our club could offer learn-to-play clinics for newcomers, run skill development programs for all ages, host local and regional tournaments and bring visitors to our township.”
Club member Dave Gaudette proposed eight pickleball courts on the grounds of the Baltimore Recreation Centre. It’s anticipated the club could grow to more than 300 members with dedicated courts.
Tournaments are great for fundraising and through those the club has raised $50,000 they are willing to put towards the cost of the construction of courts in Baltimore.
Gaudette said the club has sought quotes and the expected cost is around $375,000. The hope is a Trillium grant may also cover up to $200,000 with the municipality on the hook for the rest.
Deputy Mayor Larry Williamson asked about a plan for cost recovery. Gaudette said the membership fee is $50 per year and the club would entertain paying money back over time while acknowledging the $50,000 commitment the club is prepared to make is a substantial one as well.
Williamson asked about complaints about the sound of pickleball and if there were plans to put up baffling.
Gaudette said the main concerns come when playing close to housing, which happens more when playing on converted tennis courts.
Williamson asked how busy the tennis courts are in Baltimore and if anyone is playing pickleball on them already.
Manager of Parks and Facilities Trevor Clapperton said there is no data since tennis courts aren’t booked, but they are lined for pickleball as well.
“In my observation, there’s probably more pickleball use than there is tennis use,” Clapperton said.
Councillor Mark Lovshin also wondered about cost recovery and hoped for some guarantee they would be used, even if another community builds courts, such as Cobourg or Port Hope.
“To be honest, to think something’s going to be built in Cobourg is a dream. They have no chance of building anything there. They have no money, no coordination of backing us, you read about all the troubles they’re having just on the council,” Gaudette said, noting that meetings have not been fruitful.
Lovshin said things can always change which Gaudette agreed.
“These are top-notch courts,” Bowman stressed. “This will be the place to play pickleball.”
Gaudette said a lease is an option and noted “we’re not going to walk away from 50 thousand” if that kind of an investment is made.
Williamson asked if it would be exclusive use for Cobourg Pickleball Club members. The club reps said they would like some set times, especially in the morning and evening, but the rest should be for the public.
“It should be open to everybody,” Bowman said.
Mayor Scott Jibb said decisions are not made at the committee-of-the-whole meeting and staff need to look into more financial and space details. Council voted to receive the information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
