Governments serve up new pickleball courts
Ottawa, province pony up almost $200K for project; City of Fredericton chipped in land
Enthusiasts of a growing racket sport and those curious about the buzz around it have a new venue through which they can enjoy and experience some volleys and rallies.
Representatives with the municipal, provincial government and federal governments gathered at Willie O’Ree Place on Fredericton’s north side Wednesday to unveil the capital’s new outdoor pickleball courts.
Pickleball has been billed as the fastest-growing sport in North America.
“The pickleball community is growing and the City of Fredericton is delighted to be providing additional spaces for players to enjoy the game,” Mayor Kate Rogers said in a news release Wednesday.
“The land provided by the city for these new courts at Wille O’Ree Place will contribute to residents having places to get out, be active and enjoy free recreation amenities.”
While the city contributed to the project with the land donation, the release said, while the province’s Regional Development Corp. provided $104,122 for the new courts.
Meanwhile, Ottawa, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), provided $75,392 to the Fredericton Pickleball Club for the new project.
“Our investment in community infrastructure like these new pickleball courts is a great way to encourage residents of all ages to be active and socialize with friends and family,” Social Development Minister and Fredericton North MLA Jill Green, who is also Minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation and the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, said in the release.
“Recreational activities are an important part of ensuring our communities are both vibrant and sustainable.”
Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, on behalf of Gudie Hutchings, the federal minister responsible for ACOA, said recreational facilities such as the new pickleball courts improve quality of life and have the potential to attract people to the city - both to visit and to settle down.
“The new accessible pickleball courts are a great addition to the region that will add vitality, boost tourism and provide a safe space for residents and visitors to stay active,” she said in the news release.
Established in 2015, the Fredericton Pickleball Club boasts about 350 members, and club president Ann Marie Wood-Seems said the new courts are a welcome addition to the community given how quickly the sport is growing in the capital.
“These new pickleball courts play an important role in keeping residents healthy and active,” she said in the release.
“But most importantly, they allow our athletes to feel part of a community that’s bigger than themselves.”
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