The Tomahawk Recreational Complex in Thornbury will soon be home to four new outdoor pickleball courts.
“The pickleball project is on track to be completed in July. The town will issue notice when the facility is open for public use,” said Ryan Gibbons, director of community services for the Town of the Blue Mountains (TBM).
Local residents, Rosemarie Wickens and Harry Stevens, organizer for the Blue Mountains Pickleball group, are eagerly awaiting the grand opening of the new courts.
“After many years and effort from our pickleball community and the town’s recreation staff, public pickleball courts are being installed in TBM,” stated Stevens.
“The game of pickleball is easy to learn, affordable and suitable for all ages,” he added.
With the new facility at Tomahawk, the pair are setting their sights on introducing pickleball to area youth. Stevens and Wickens, along with a group of volunteer instructors, are offering to conduct group lessons for youth aged 10 to 16 this summer.
“Rosemarie and I have started three clubs in Thornbury over the past five years and have always had the desire to introduce young people to the sport. Unfortunately, space to play was just not available,” he continued. “Things have now changed with our new outdoor pickleball courts and the town has welcomed and supported our request for a youth camp.”
The youth lessons will, however, depend on Ontario’s implementation of stage two of the provincial COVID-19 reopening plan.
Currently, the group is planning to run the lessons from July 5 to 30 for two hours a day, Monday to Friday with a limit of 16 individuals.
“Rosemarie is an enthusiastic player and competitor who also taught physical education in her career,” Stevens added. “The game has six different skill levels and youth advance quickly in the sport.”
Anyone interested in participating in youth pickleball lessons can contact Harry Stevens or Rosemarie Wickens for details and to reserve your space at 705-888-8089.
The four new outdoor pickleball courts are located at the Tomahawk Recreation Complex, which is located at 417230 10th Line in Thornbury.
