Pickleball Study
The City of Vaughan conducted a study to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting some existing tennis courts to make them compatible for pickleball play (for shared pickleball-tennis use).
As part of the Pickleball Study, the City evaluated the demand for court space and considered/reviewed/evaluated implementation tools and opportunities for purpose-built pickleball facilities throughout the city.
About
The City values the voice of the public and appreciates the participation of those who completed the survey that ran from February 19, 2021 to March 15, 2021, to help identify best practices and preferences for pickleball courts and locations. Results of the survey can be found in this report.
As recommended in Vaughan’s 2018 Active Together Master Plan (Recommendation #38), the City conducted a study to evaluate the feasibility of using existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball play (with shared pickleball-tennis courts).
Through the Pickleball Study, the City evaluated the demand, implementation tools and opportunities for pickleball facilities in Vaughan. A Pickleball Project Update included considerations for planning and implementing new pickleball courts, site selection criteria to help determine suitable pickleball court sites, and recommended locations for retrofit of existing tennis courts into pickleball and for new pickleball courts.
Seven shared-use (with pickleball and tennis) courts were opened to the public on a first come first serve basis at the following locations:
- Dufferin District Park (2 courts)
- Giovanni Caboto Park
- Maple Community Park
- Maxey Park
- North Thornhill District Park
- York Hill District Park
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pickleball is an emerging sport experiencing a popularity boom in Canada, particularly among older adults and seniors. Pickleball is a paddleball sport, combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played with a paddle and a wiffleball (a plastic ball with holes) on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. It can also be played on a tennis court with line painting modifications. The sport can be played as doubles or singles and is enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Visit Pickleball Canada to learn more about pickleball.
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The Pickleball Study began in February 2021 and was completed in 2022. At the end of the study, recommendations on the provisions of future pickleball courts as a new level of service were offered by the City.
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The Pickleball Study recommended incorporating pickleball as a shared use with tennis and to develop new pickleball courts.
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Consideration for additional pickleball court locations for retrofit and new development will be included in the scope of work of the Tennis and Racquet Sports Strategy, to begin in 2023, as well as integrate the findings into the Active Together Master Plan update in 2023.
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The 2018 Active Together Master Plan recommends piloting pickleball-tennis courts at existing tennis court sites to evaluate the feasibility of re-purposing them for shared use between tennis and pickleball (Recommendation #34). Potential pilot sites are evaluated for suitability and city-wide distribution and will be selected by City staff with input from the public and stakeholders. Additional sites may be suggested to City staff in the Parks Infrastructure Planning and Development department by emailing service@vaughan.ca or via phone to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
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All additional questions can be directed to the Parks Infrastructure Planning and Development department by emailing service@vaughan.ca or via phone to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
Project Updates
The Pickleball Pilot Study has been completed.
After completing and study and based on the findings of the Pickleball survey that ran from February 19, 2021 to March 15, 2021, seven shared-use pickleball courts were created at existing tennis courts across the City at the following locations: Dufferin District Park, Giovanni Caboto Park, Maple Community Park, Maxey Park, North Thornhill District Park, and York Hill District Park.
Results of the survey can be found in this report.
Pickleball Study Timeline
Phase 1: Pickleball Survey (Q1 2021)
A survey to help identify best practices and preferences for pickleball courts and locations ran from February 19, 2021 to March 15, 2021. Thank you to those who participated. Results of the survey can be found in this report.
Phase 2: Pickleball Implementation (Q2 to Q3 2021)
Following public survey and based on site location criteria, several existing tennis court locations were identified as sites to establish pickleball courts for the 2021 playing season. City staff solicited feedback from pickleball players who requested to be contacted through the survey. Staff identified and discussed pickleball best practices and player preferences which were integrated into the Pickleball Study.
Phase 3: Pickleball Study Monitoring and Feedback (Q3 to Q4 2021)
This phase of the project helped the City gauge the public’s interest in the sport of pickleball and outdoor pickleball facilities. Citizens provided feedback and recommendations regarding the pickleball pilot sites, including locations and site amenities.
Phase 4: Findings and Recommendation (Q2 2022)
This phase concluded the Pickleball Study with reviewing feedback from users and residents and reporting on findings and recommendations to be included in the Active Together Master Plan 2023 update and will inform future programming.
Additional opportunities for engagement will be available as part of the Active Together Master Plan 2023 update and Tennis and Racquet Sports Strategy.