Ribbon cut at new pickleball courts

Members of Amherstburg town council, administration and the Amherstburg Pickleball Association celebrate the ribbon cutting at the new pickleball courts at the Libro Centre last Saturday. There are eight new pickleball-only courts that have been in use the last few weeks.

The eight new pickleball courts at the Libro Centre started getting used recently with the official grand opening taking place over the weekend.

A ribbon cutting featuring members of Amherstburg town council, the Amherstburg Pickleball Association (APA) and other supporters took place Saturday morning as part of a tournament the APA was presenting. 

The new $468,568.31 pickleball courts were a contentious issue as it was being debated, something Mayor Michael Prue said was “hard fought.”

Prue said members of the pickleball community “came out” and “made us understand” about the sport’s growth.

Town council ultimately decided in favour of pickleball-only courts, something Prue said is also happening in other communities in the region such as LaSalle and Windsor.

The passion of the APA members was evident, he indicated, and town staff worked hard with the group to ensure the courts became a reality. Steve Hayes from the town’s recreation staff was identified and praised for his work to ensure the project was completed.

Despite contentious debate around the council table, the effort from project supporters never wavered, Prue added.

“These were supposed to be here last fall but the winter got in the way,” he quipped.

Director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon noted the partnership with the APA and that the volunteer group helped the town to ensure the courts were built properly.

APA vice chair Linda DiPasquale called last Saturday a “celebration” and she also pointed out the partnership between the group and the town. She thanked the town for allowing them to have a seat at the table, and she also thanked her group for its passion for the sport of pickleball.

APA chair Richard White presented a cheque for $24,019.43 to the town and vowed it was the “first of many” cheques that will be given to the town to help maintain and add to the courts. Additions could include shade structures, permanent seating, lights and general maintenance, DiPasquale noted.

DiPasquale said pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America and that “for years” people have had to leave Amherstburg to play. 

“This is just the beginning,” she added, of the financial contribution given to the town.

Last Saturday’s tournament was “friendly,” she said, with people coming around from the Windsor-Essex County area to participate. She said APA members have travelled elsewhere to play and now they were able to present a tournament.

“We want to bring the same momentum and success to Amherstburg,” said DiPasquale. 

Ribbon cut at new pickleball courts

By Ron Giofu