91原创 Township council considered new dedicated or shared pickleball and tennis courts at its last meeting of the summer, but also approved a closure of a pair of courts in Fort 91原创.

During the Monday, July 5 meeting, councillors voted on four proposals from staff for adding to or changing racquet sport options around the Township.

That included a decision to remove the pickleball lines from two courts at Fort 91原创 Community Park.

Councillor Barb Martens noted during debate over the issue that there had been noise complaints from neighbours. Pickleball is well know for being somewhat noisier than tennis due to the nature of the rackets.

Mayor Eric Woodward also asked if there was room in the engineering budget for signs noting that pickleball would not be allowed at that particular site, and staff confirmed that could be done.

Council unanimously approved the change.

However, most of the discussion in the report called for increasing pickleball courts in the near future, with staff recommending removing the BMX bike park on 82 Avenue in Yorkson Community Park and replacing that with pickleball courts.

The council decided against tearing out the bike park, opting to instead build a paved pump track for cyclists on the site.

They then turned back to pickleball, and asked staff for a report on installing 12 or more pickleball courts at McLeod Athletic Park, with the possibility of building a roof over the courts at a future date.

The area is better suited for pickleball because it's not that close to existing housing, noted Woodward.

In addition, council gave the nod to adding a third gymnasium to the planned Willoughby Community Centre, to be built with a focus on indoor racquet sports, especially pickleball.

The report included a list of possible future pickleball locations as well as existing ones. Partnerships with 91原创 School District on land for racquet sport courts are also being considered.

The report and plans for new facilities come as pickleball grows more and more popular, but has also run into issues with neighbours.

"With the rise in public recognition through the media that noise from pickleball is problematic for some neighbouring properties, it is expected that sensitivity for new sites and resulting complaints will be higher than past experience in the Township," the report said.

Meanwhile, pickleball enthusiasts have come to Township council earlier this year to ask for more courts.

Pickleball players are "I don't want to say relentless, they are very focused," noted Coun. Tim Baillie.