Pickleball players Tanya Maier, left, and Marina Hebert warm up before a match at the Morash Park courts in Dartmouth on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Photo by Tim Krochak /THE CHRONICLE HERALDArticle contentTRURO – Many claim it to be one of the fastest growing sports in North America.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAnd now, the Nova Scotia Pickleball Association wants to keep growing it in Truro.Article contentArticle contentOn July 17, the association’s president Donald Johnston approached Truro’s committee of the whole about getting a piece of land for an outdoor pickleball facility.Article content“We feel like Truro is losing out on this,” said Johnston after citing a list of communities in Nova Scotia that he said are building pickleball courts.Article contentArticle contentThey’re looking for two acres of land, which he said is enough room to build eight pickleball courts.Article content“We can get by with less,” said Johnston, “but we’d like to have enough room so that if we build something like this, and it takes off, it can be expanded.”Article contentThere are a number of requirements for the land, continued the president, one being that it would need to be close to utilities. The land also shouldn’t be on a floodplain, and it should not be close to any residential developments because of potential issues with noise.Article content The shadow of pickleball player Tanya Maier is seen while swerving during play at the Morash Park courts in Dartmouth on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Photo by Tim Krochak /THE CHRONICLE HERALDArticle contentOne location could be The Railyard in Victoria Park, suggested Johnston, close to the water treatment plant.Article contentThe association will raise money for the development, said Johnston, and wants to administer the facility on their own. They really just need the land, he continued.Article contentHe said that their vision is to have a facility that’s accessible and affordable.Article contentArticle contentCOUNTY COLLABORATIONArticle contentWard 1 Coun. Wayne Talbot asked Johnston if he’d made a presentation to the Municipality of the County of Colchester about this ask, and request for a joint proposal.Article content“I’d have to understand where the County stands on this, because we built a lot of recreation facilities in town and it’s a proven fact that 70 per cent of the use is by residents of the County, and the financial contribution is not there,” said Talbot.Article contentJohnston said Colchester is on board, and has offered them land in Salmon River. He continued, though, that their association wants land in town or very close to town.Article content“Once we have land,” he said, “then we’ll be able to approach all levels of government for funding.”Article content The Cougar Dome on North Street in Truro in this file photo from 2022. Photo by Brendyn Creamer /Truro NewsArticle contentAlso brought up in discussion was the Cougar Dome, a Truro facility where a lot of residents already play pickleball.Article contentJohnston said that their group approached the Cougar Dome about having a partnership, but were “basically, flatly refused.”Article contentThe Cougar Dome poses potential safety risks in the summertime, Johnston added.Article content“It is too warm, too humid, and … there are days that it’s actually dangerous to play in there.”Article contentOPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONArticle contentMayor Cathy Hinton concluded the conversation by saying there would be discussion on the topic at a further date.Article content“You brought it to our committee of the whole meeting, and we will discuss this,” she said.Article content“I appreciate the passion and … I do appreciate (that) it’s the fastest growing sport, and you know, of course, I’d love everything to come to Truro so we can have an economic spin-off.”Article content
Provincial group wants to build outdoor pickleball facility in Truro
