Park project ‘was not sprung on the public’

The Peterborough Pickleball Association (PPA) would like to add our thoughts to the discussion about the proposed Bonnerworth redevelopment.

Firstly, it is our intention to work with the city and any groups that have concerns over these proposed pickleball courts. We believe that a community works better in harmony than in adversity.

Our PPA has approximately 400 members, but the number of people who play is at least three fold and is growing exponentially each year. We offer inclusive play to all ages and skill levels.

On Oct. 10, 2023, after extensive research and data collection by the Arenas, Parks, and Recreation Advisory Committee, Peterborough city council, at a meeting open to the public, unanimously approved Report CSRS23-002.

This public report clearly identifies “Bonnerworth Park as a central location for an active recreation hub.”

The redevelopment project offers pickleball, skateboarding and a specialized bike track.

This project has been in the public domain for over five months and was not sprung on the public.

No one has come forward and complained about the proposed use until recently.

Ideally, these complaints should have been made well before the draft presentation in order to address concerns prior to time and money being spent on design plans.

For the past three years, upwards of 12 pickleball courts have been active at Bonnerworth and not one complaint has been filed by a neighbour, to our knowledge.

In a recent letter to the editor, the author wrote, “the focus on pickleball is catering to the wrong community. Although billed as an all-ages sport, pickleball is played primarily by adults.”

We believe in a healthy active lifestyle for all ages. All of us, particularly our seniors, are benefiting from the physical activity, socialization, and the fresh air.

The game is also pulling our youth away from the screens; our average demographic is trending younger. In fact, according to a U.S. study, the largest age group of pickleball is between 18-34.

If that is the “wrong community,” we are happy to be a part of it!