What to know
- Toronto has opened one of its largest outdoor pickleball facilities at Main Sewage Treatment Playground near Eastern and Coxwell.
- The 25,000-square-foot complex features 16 wheelchair-accessible courts, shaded seating and upgraded amenities.
- The project was funded through Mayor Olivia Chow’s $1.05-million Back on Track program to improve recreation infrastructure.
- Toronto now offers more than 300 outdoor pickleball courts across 108 summer locations.
Pickleball players in Toronto have a new place to serve, volley and compete after the city officially opened one of its largest outdoor pickleball facilities.
Located at Main Sewage Treatment Playground near Eastern Avenue and Coxwell Avenue, the new 25,000-square-foot complex is designed to meet the growing demand for the rapidly expanding sport.
New facility includes accessible features
Roughly the size of six full basketball courts, the new complex has 16 accessible pickleball courts,, a new shade structure, bleacher seating with accessible benches, improved fencing and entry gates, and colour-coated court surfaces designed to enhance play.
The complex is located within the 11.2-hectare Main Sewage Treatment Playground.
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity
Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has seen a surge in popularity across Toronto in recent years. The game can be played in singles or doubles on a 44-by-20-foot court divided by a net.
With the opening of the new facility, the City of Toronto now offers more than 300 pickleball courts across 108 outdoor summer locations.
Part of Toronto’s recreation investment
The $1.05-million project was funded through Mayor Olivia Chow’s Back on Track program, an initiative aimed at revitalizing recreational infrastructure across the city while expanding access to sports and outdoor activities.
“Recreation spaces are where neighbours come together, stay active and build stronger communities,” Chow said in a news release.
“Through my Back on Track program, we are investing in parks and facilities across Toronto to create more accessible opportunities for people of all ages to play, connect and enjoy the outdoors.
Chow said the new pickleball court is just one example of how the city intends on making it easier for residents to stay healthy and active without barriers.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Canada over the past few years. The sport is easy to learn, relatively inexpensive to play and has drawn everyone from young adults to retirees.
The sport has seen a sharp increase in participation since the COVID-19 pandemic, with municipalities across Canada expanding court access to meet growing demand.
Toronto has added pickleball courts across the city in recent years as demand has grown. The city now has more than 300 outdoor courts at 108 summer locations, with dedicated facilities becoming more common.
The opening of the new 16-court complex represents one of the city’s largest single investments in dedicated outdoor pickleball infrastructure to date.
