Cornwall, Ontario – Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, is swiftly gaining traction across North America and locally in Cornwall and area. At a recent City Hall meeting, concerns were raised by Councillor Fred Ngoundjo about the $424,650 cost to transform the tennis courts at Broadview Park into pickleball courts. The question of demand for the sport has prompted a spirited discussion.
Sue Forget, Cornwall & Area Pickleball Ambassador, is a staunch advocate for the sport, noting its appeal among seniors and younger generations. “It’s an amazing game. I retired and wanted to play tennis, but it was too hard on my wrists. Pickleball is less demanding and offers great social opportunities,” Forget explained. She emphasized the sport’s accessibility for seniors and its growing popularity, noting that over 650 players are active in the area, with more than 1100 online followers showing interest.
“There is a lot of demand for the sport. We still have four tennis courts in town for tennis, but with 650 pickleball players, six courts at Broadview Park will be crowded. It’s worth it because the sport is growing,” Forget added, projecting over 1000 local players within fiveyears. The transformation of Broadview Park will cater to a growing demographic who love this increasingly popular sport. For inquiries about pickleball, contact Sue Forget at ipickleball@gmail.com.
