Local Pickleball Club Serves Up Success

The sport of pickleball is growing fast in Georgian Bluffs and beyond. Pickleball is said to be the fastest growing sport in North America, and community members recognized the demand.

The Georgian Bluffs Pickleball Club formed in 2024, thanks to players who are passionate about expanding the sport locally. “Our club opened registration on April 1st, 2024, and we had our first court time on April 21st,” said Barrett Johnston, Georgian Bluffs Pickleball Club member and volunteer. “Within those first three weeks, we had our first 60 members and only two days (10-hours) of play.” The club promised its membership they would increase court time once they reached 100 members. That goal was achieved in July of 2024, and now the club offers 24-hours per week and five days of play! This member-run, non-profit club plays out of the Kemble Arena and even hosted a very successful tournament in October as well as organized competitive play that has attracted players willing to travel from as far as Hanover.

According to Pickleball Canada, the game was introduced to ensure all members of a family could participate, and therefore the rules were kept simple. “What I enjoy about pickleball the most is the people,” said Johnston. “There are many physical benefits of the sport, and it is amazing that our youngest member (13) plays alongside our oldest (82).” Many of the rules followed in pickleball are an adaptation from tennis, table tennis and badminton. Pickleball Canada describes the sport as “inclusive, fun and easy to learn but challenging to master.” The Georgian Bluffs Pickleball Club is going into 2025 with nearly 150 members and encourages others to get involved. Johnston credits the club for the friendships he has made, and says they are friendships that will last forever.

To learn more about the club, including how to become a member visit the Georgian Bluffs Pickleball Club page on PickleballCanada.org. Check out the Township of Georgian Bluffs Community Events Calendar for pickleball opportunities at the Kemble and Kilsyth Arena’s.