Pickleball players are swinging their paddles at a brand-new location on the city’s north side.
The City of Fredericton has unveiled six new accessible pickleball courts at Willie O’Ree Place, so residents can come together to connect and participate in the fastest growing sport in North America.
“The pickleball community is growing and the City of Fredericton is delighted to be providing additional spaces for players to enjoy the game,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “The land provided by the City for these new courts at Wille O’Ree Place will contribute to residents having places to get out, be active and enjoy free recreation amenities.”
In August 2023, the City announced it would provide land for the courts next to Willie O’Ree Place. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made an investment of $75,392 to the Fredericton Pickleball Club toward the courts.
“Healthy, accessible, and inclusive recreational activities are essential, not only to attract new residents to New Brunswick, but to ensure that people see our community as a place they want to stay and build their homes, families and careers,” said Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “The new accessible pickleball courts are a great addition to the region that will add vitality, boost tourism, and provide a safe space for residents and visitors to stay active.”
Meanwhile, the Province of New Brunswick through the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) announced $104,122 for the new courts.
“Our investment in community infrastructure like these new pickleball courts is a great way to encourage residents of all ages to be active and socialize with friends and family,” said Jill Green, Minister of Social Development who is also Minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation and the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. “Recreational activities are an important part of ensuring our communities are both vibrant and sustainable."
The Fredericton Pickleball Club was established in 2015 and has about 350 members.
“Pickleball is a growing sport in the Fredericton region,” said Ann Marie Wood-Seems, president of the Fredericton Pickleball Club. “These new pickleball courts play an important role in keeping residents healthy and active. But most importantly, they allow our athletes to feel part of a community that’s bigger than themselves.”
