Pickleball players to get courts at the Libro Centre

By Ron Giofu

Pickleball players seemed happy with the news of new courts at the Libro Centre but not all of council were thrilled with the news.

Town council voted to approve two hard court tennis/ pickleball courts at the Libro Centre, with that translating to eight pickleball courts as the latter is smaller than a tennis court. While there was applause from the pickleball community, there were others who were upset including some council members.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America. It’s not just a fad,” said local player Tim Rousseau. “Amherstburg is the last town in Essex County without outdoor courts.”

Courts at Malden Centre Park have been closed due to deteriorating conditions while repairs are required at Anderdon Park.

“We wold like to have pickleball dedicated courts,” said Rousseau.

Rousseau said the sport is starting to attract younger players.

“We would like the courts to go to the Libro Centre,” he said. “We think it’s a fairly central location.”

It was recommended by administration that council choose between the Libro Centre and H. Murray Smith Centennial Park.

Joe Thachen-Cary told council “safety comes first,” and said the pickleball community balked at a proposal to put in a tile system on the Anderdon courts as a repair mechanism. He all said the ball loses its bounce with a tile system.

“If you want to install that, the courts will not be usable,” said Thachen-Cary.

Paul Owen, another player, said noise was another factor in wanting to go the Libro Centre. He noted Centennial Park’s central location, the long-term care home that is planned across Richmond St. and the sound of the balls hitting the rackets.

“We heard you loud and clear. You don’t want the tiles on the Anderdon court,” said Councillor Don McArthur. “It’s not going to happen on our watch.”

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon said the parks master plan developed in 2018 indicated courts should be directed into central Amherstburg. She said there is “a finite pot of money” and “where do we need to focus on right now?”