By John Francis, Bruce Peninsula Press
A letter published in MNBP’s May 10 Council Agenda indicated that sixty-one people had expressed interest in playing pickleball in Lion’s Head. “With this strong initial interest plus current and projected growth for the Lion’s Head area, we believe that Lion’s Head could prosper if we had the proper indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Currently several of our members are driving to other clubs to play pickleball, such as Tobermory and Sauble Beach”.
The pickleball group notes that the tennis courts at BPDS are rarely used and have become “unsafe to play on”. They wonder if these could be “resurfaced and brought back to life”… “until such time as a proper sports facility can be built”.
At this time, the tennis courts are badly in need of repair but also locked.
I asked MNBP’s Community Services Manager Ryan Deska about pickleball in Lion’s Head.
He said that the school facilities are closed due to COVID regulations. The municipality would be willing to improve the courts and to assume liability insurance for them, but would need a commitment that they would remain available to residents.
The gymnasium at BPDS would also be excellent for pickleball but public access to school buildings is unlikely to be restored before fall. Pickleball lines could also be painted or taped onto the concrete pad at the arena, which would provide a rainy day alternative location in summer.
