George Richardson Park will be home to new pickleball facility
Like all communities across North America, the Town of Newmarket has seen tremendous growth and interest in the sport of pickleball, which continues to be the fastest growing sport in North America.
To provide even better recreational opportunities for the community, Council has approved the location of a new pickleball facility in the southern section of Geroge Richardson Park (Bayview Parkway). The facility will include a modest clubhouse with changerooms/washrooms and include bubbling capacity for the winter months.
Staff explored all municipally owned land, reviewing several criteria through this process, including distance from residential housing, parking, potential displacement of other facilities, capacity to grow, as well as the location of existing facilities to ensure distribution of recreation access across the community.
The chosen site provides an ideal location within the community, meeting the following criteria:
- It can accommodate up to 20 bubbled courts.
- It places a premiere facility in a ward with fewer recreational amenities.
- Staff believe that the loss of a full-sized soccer field can be addressed through partnership opportunities with school boards.
- The closest residents are over 300 feet away and are already separated by a variety of natural features including many mature trees, a creek and space to add additional buffering.
- There is ample parking to address day-time use.
It is expected that a design can be completed with construction beginning in 2024, leading to an opening in 2025.
To learn more about the future of pickleball in Newmarket, read the Staff Report or watch the discussion.
Council celebrates double wins for Newmarket at Festival & Events Ontario
Every year, thousands of Newmarket and GTA residents experience unforgettable events hosted by the Town of Newmarket, including Tim Hortons Canada Day, TD Newmarket Music Series, and the Town's newest addition, Ice Lounge on Main presented by Mercedes-Benz Newmarket. For the second consecutive year, the Town of Newmarket was recognized by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) as the Municipality of the Year for its Special Events in the mid-sized municipality category (population of 50,000 to 150,000) highlighting the Town's dedication to connect the community through exceptional experiences.
In recognition of the Town's successful collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Newmarket, the Town also won an FEO Achievement Award for Sponsor of the Year ($100,001 to $500,000 Sponsor Category). Building strong partnerships with sponsors allows the Town to elevate the experiences that are offered to the community with free admission, entertainment and activities.
Municipality of the Year is a coveted distinction that reflects how Newmarket continues to lead the way with innovative events and initiatives as a growing community that welcomes many new residents each year. Festivals and events help foster community building and enhance the lives of Newmarket's residents, businesses, and visitors by offering opportunities to celebrate and gather year-round.
It's clear, Newmarket is one of the best places for events in the province!
Watch the video shared during the Council meeting to catch all the event highlights and read the announcement for a lineup of events in 2024.