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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, Ju ly 12 ,2 01 8 | 36 REC & LEISURE Visit theifp.ca for more coverage The sport of pickleball continues to be a smash hit in Halton Hills, so much so that the number of players taking up the sport is more than the size of the facilities that the town has been able to provide. Some relief came early last week when Mayor Rick Bonnette and some council- lors were on hand for the unveiling of four new courts - two permanent playing surfaces and two more with portable nets - which pro- vides plenty of opportuni- ties for those playing in the summer when added to the six other outdoor courts at the Acton Arena & Commu- nity Centre. The permanent courts are said to be the first of their kind in this area. But Courtney Warner, director at large for the Hal- ton Hills Pickleball Players' Group (HHPPG), said a lack of public gymnasium facili- ties for winter play has forced many local residents to travel to the Milton Velo- drome for their weekly ex- ercise at the Mattamy Ath- letic Centre, where nine in- door courts are in use. "We've had to cut our membership to 80 players because we can't accommo- date any more," said Warn- er, who is hopeful that more gym space may become available when the new Norval church is built next to the new fire station in Georgetown. Currently, the HHPPG, which is in its third year of operation, uses two indoor courts at the Living Hope Alliance Church in George- town for winter play. Kevin Okimi, the town's manager of parks & open space, said options for mul- ti-purpose outdoor courts could be in play as part of the new skate park project, although nothing has been finalized. "What we're hoping for is when the town sees how successful these courts in Acton have been, they'll model whatever they do at the Gellert on what's hap- pening here," added Warn- er. Pickleball is a combina- tion of tennis, badminton and table tennis with court dimensions and rules that make it less strenuous on its participants than the afore- mentioned sports. The HHPPG has several players in their 80s and the oldest active member is 88. A coaches' clinic was held last week on the new Acton courts last week involving a couple of professional in- structors who provided some tips to players. The group has also par- ticipated as coaches in town-organized summer camps for youths the past couple of years in order to introduce the sport to a new crowd. "We're trying as a group to accommodate young peo- ple and non-retired people, but the way we're set up now, we're predominantly retirees," Warner added. The club has made in- roads in that area by host- ing evening winter sessions at Centennial and Silver Creek public schools, and an application has been made to the town to book those venues again so youths or adults who can't play during the day have time set aside on week- nights. For more info on the lo- cal group email cwar- ner@cogeco.ca or call 905- 877-4642. New pickleball courts spring up in Acton EAMONN MAHER emaher@theifp.ca John Cassidy (right) of Milton sharply returns service during a game of pickle ball on the new courts at Acton's Prospect Park as doubles' partner Ron Patey of Georgetown looks on. The popularity of the sport continues to grow and seniors aren't the only ones playing. Eamonn Maher photo Don't miss out! Visit website for details and to register! georgetownsoccerclub.com REGISTER NOW! Soccer/Sports Camps - available in July and August at the Gellert Centre Parent and Tot Program - A fun, affordable introduction to soccer for 3 and 4 year olds (born in 2014 and 2015). Two 4-week sessions in July and August. SALES SERVICE INSTALLATIONSESA #7003060 DEKEReLeCTRIC ltd. 905-702-0515 www.dekerelectric.ca TIONS 2016SMALLBUSINESSOF THEYEAR Our incredible offer has returned!