Paige Seburn
Niagara Now/The Lake Report

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s pickleball courts were back in action last weekend — and players were thrilled to return to their favourite outdoor sport after a lengthy closure. 

The courts at Virgil Sports Park opened with extended hours to celebrate their reopening on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pickleball enthusiasts Nicole Lombard and Lauren Viviers were ecstatic about returning to the courts. 

“We’re just happy that the courts are finally open after years of waiting,” said Lombard. 

The reopening comes after significant delays caused by the need to install sound barriers to address noise complaints from nearby residents. 

In 2022, a two-year ban was placed on playing pickleball at the Virgil courts after a Welland court ruled the town and NOTL Pickleball Club had violated the town’s noise bylaw — and ordered the town and club to pay fines of $1,000.

The addition of the barriers, aimed at balancing community concerns with recreational needs, has allowed the courts to finally welcome players back. 

Following this special weekend, regular play resumed on Monday, according to the schedule outlined on the town’s website.

Club president Dragana Simao noted, “We now have over 700 members. The option of six outdoor courts is a bonus to our members, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors while playing their favourite sport.”

The repurposed courts are open to non-members of the club and NOTLers and their friends and families are welcome to play.

Board member Tim Lutton said, “We’re more than happy to see non-club members using the courts. It’s all good for the sport. There are six courts available and plenty of times for both the public and members to enjoy.”

Lombard said that despite slipperiness caused by the rain last weekend, these are nice courts to play on.

And it’s amazing to be playing outdoors again, Viviers said, especially since it’s the right season for it. 

Longtime player and NOTL Pickleball Club member Lesley Hidvary, who began using the Virgil courts after they first opened in 2019, said she was excited about the reopening. 

The park is one of her favourite spots for pickleball since it’s right around the corner from her home, she said. 

Hidvary, who would play seven days a week if her knees co-operated, said there is an important social aspect of the game.

“I know most of the people because I’ve been playing for so long, but you also meet lots of new people too,” she said, highlighting how the reopening of the courts has sparked a renewed sense of excitement and community among area pickleball players.

For information and to see the public schedule, visit notl.com/recreation-events/programs-activities/pickleball.