Pickleball in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain Area of Ontario

Collingwood, Blue Mountain and area is famous for the variety of recreational activities it offers to residents and visitors. A new activity has just been added, Pickleball.

Bill Furse, local resident and committee member of Pickleball Canada, held a Pickleball open house at the Monterra Tennis Dome, The Villages at Blue Mountain, on Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

This Pickleball clinic was attended by over 60 avid individuals wanting to play or find out about this new game. Several players in the area play Pickleball in Florida or Arizona and want to play here at home in Collingwood. Many participants were new to the game and wanted to find out more.

Bill Furse welcomed the crowd and talked about Pickleball Canada. He introduced Beverly Butt from Regina Saskatchewan, who just happened to be at her cottage in Bala, and dropped by with her husband. Donna and Morgan Robin drove down from just south of Tobermory to participate. The Pickleball Promoter showed up as well. There were 3 members of the founding committee of Pickleball Canada in attendance.

The experienced players were anxious to play again after not having had a chance to play since leaving the warm climates, Pickleball Withdrawal Syndrome. They waited their turn to rotate onto 4 courts and get in some serious Pickleball.

Beginners were introduced to the game and given instruction on one court. Many were tennis players and picked up the game in a very short time. They did want to rush the net after the serve but soon learned to stop doing that. Many commented that the game was a great alternative to tennis.

The Monterra Dome is an excellent indoor facility for tennis but this was the first exposure to Pickleball. From the response of the staff, it may be the start of a new sport in this dome to fill in the time when it is not booked for tennis. In fact, Debbie, a staff member and tennis coach, commented to me that, "we are going to have the first ever all Ontario Pickleball tournament. We have hosted tennis tournaments, we can do it!" Deb, you have my support and I hope it happens.

The evening was a tremendous success. With the number of slopes in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain Area, it should not be hard to keep the ball rolling.

Thanks to Bill and his helpers for the organization and Blue Mountain Resort for hosting. I know this writer had a ball. Seeing this many people out to a first Pickleball event in Ontario was a true "Pickleball first".













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