Pickleball players in Gravenhurst may soon see expanded court space at Muskoka Bay Park after council directed staff to review options for converting an existing tennis court into multiple pickleball courts.
During the May 12 council meeting, councillors received correspondence from resident Margaret Diotallevi, who urged the town to consider adding painted pickleball lines to the existing court surface to accommodate more players at once.
“With pickleball continuing to grow in popularity in our community, outdoor court availability is becoming increasingly limited during peak times,” Diotallevi wrote in her letter to council.
She suggested that adding additional court lines could allow for two, three or even four pickleball courts to operate simultaneously using portable nets many players already own, helping relieve congestion and improve access for residents.
Diotallevi pointed to Bracebridge as an example, noting the town had converted a single tennis court into four pickleball courts through additional line painting and permanent nets.
Councillor Jo Morphy agreed pickleball has become increasingly popular in town and said previous discussions about private courts had fallen by the wayside. She noted the cost of adding lines to the existing court would likely be minimal.
The discussion focused on the Muskoka Bay Park court located along Highway 169, where there is currently one pickleball court.
Andrew Stacey, director of infrastructure services, told council he was not entirely sure whether the layout would work but they could investigate. Stacey added it could be difficult to secure a contractor in time for this season and noted additional nets would also need to be purchased.
Council ultimately passed a resolution directing staff to review and report back on options for converting one tennis court into multiple pickleball courts. The review will also include potential funding options.
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