Pickleball popularity continues to grow in Toronto
Posted June 14, 2023 6:51 pm.
Last Updated June 14, 2023 6:52 pm.
The City of Toronto is making more room for North America’s fastest-growing sport.
City council confirmed on Wednesday it has added stand-alone pickleball courts to three new planned tennis court complexes, plus 30 new outdoor courts will be introduced that can be shared with other sports.
Pickleball is an indoor or outdoor paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
In response to the rising demand and growing popularity of pickleball, the city has increased the number of outdoor courts from just one five years ago to 165 this year.
More than 50 community recreation centres currently offer pickleball programming.
“The city has quickly responded to the demand for pickleball, a highly engaging and accessible sport, by providing court opportunities for play across Toronto,” Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said.
“A big part of the attraction of this game is that it can easily be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and ages, and its court culture encourages competitive fun and fair play.”
A city spokesperson said a purpose-built pickleball court complex in Etobicoke’s Centennial Park has been identified through the Centennial Park Master Plan.
