“Great news! After several weeks of fine and not so good weather, the Outdoor Pickleball Courts at the Knights of Columbus Park on Park St. are built and will open for play Friday, June, 19. 4 courts were built by repurposing an under-utilized, run down tennis court. The city and a local Pickleball players group, Peterborough Outdoor Pickleball Association (POPA) partnered to make this happen.
This is a first class facility that we all will be responsible to aid with upkeep. The court is blue with a green perimeter and white lines. This being an outdoor facility some advice before you come and while there. Bring water as there are no nearby fountains. Put on sun tan lotion. In time there will be a few picnic tables, but, bring something to sit on while waiting to play. Wear a hat. Bring something to drink. There is no washroom (aka Port a Potty) as yet. There is plenty of parking in the K of C lot. If the courts are wet, be very careful as they may be very slippery. You will need to supply your own outdoor balls. You probably have other ideas.
The city is not able to pay for all the needs of the picklers (pickleball players). For example, we may have to purchase squeegies and a roller to distribute water after a rain; wind screens; temporary racquets for nubies; baskets to determine next play: winner, non winner, challenge; tags for seasonal types; and more I am sure.
As these are public courts, no one must or can be forced to pay in order to play. Hopefully people will do it voluntarily. To pay for expenses, players will be asked to make a donation as was done last summer. For those wishing to play and pay daily, we are asking for a $3 donation, or a one time seasonal basis of $50 donation for the entire May-October season.
We had to raise money ($4400) and give this amount to the City before they would proceed with the partnership. Over many months, with the contributions of donors, we achieved this target and gave a $4400 cheque to the City in March of this year.
To officially christen the courts, at a later date, city staff, the media and our group will be invited to a ceremony at the K of C park. We will let you know when this is to happen. Finally, while there and in your life, enjoy yourself, have fun, respect the facility and other players, meet others, stay healthy.”
This is an excerpts of the first newsletter for the opening of the KOC courts, June 2015. This year is the 10th season of KOC use and looking forward to the new 16 courts at Bonnerworth, the last.
