Myth vs. Fact: The Role of Pickleball Clubs

Myth vs. Fact: The Role of Pickleball Clubs

Clearing Up Misunderstandings About “Competitive” vs. “Community” Play

Pickleball continues to grow rapidly across Canada, and nowhere is this more evident than in Richmond Hill — where courts are packed, wait times are long, and players of all ages are looking for a place to play. Yet, as the sport expands, misunderstandings remain about the role of organized pickleball clubs and how they fit into the broader recreational landscape.

Some believe clubs exist only for “competitive” players, while casual play should happen separately under the City’s supervision. In reality, this distinction is misleading — and has contributed to a fragmented approach to pickleball planning in Richmond Hill.

Myth: Pickleball clubs serve only competitive players.

Fact: Clubs are the foundation of community pickleball.

Most community pickleball clubs are not elite or exclusive — they are the organizational backbone of the sport. They welcome beginners, organize structured play, and create social, supportive environments for players of every level.

Clubs provide what municipalities often can’t:

• Regularly scheduled play opportunities that match skill levels.

• Lessons, clinics, and mentoring for new players.

• Social events and round robins that build friendships.

• A reliable communication channel to reach players quickly and efficiently.

Far from being “exclusive,” clubs are what make pickleball inclusive. They ensure that everyone — from new players learning to keep score to experienced players mentoring others — has a place to belong.

Myth: Cities can manage casual play without user groups.

Fact: Collaboration with user groups leads to sustainable growth.

In Richmond Hill, planning has too often been done without direct collaboration with the primary user base — the people who play, teach, and organize the sport every day. The result has been short-term measures like lined tennis courts, arena floors, and temporary drop-ins that don’t address long-term demand or community connection.

By contrast, Newmarket offers a model of success. City staff there work hand-in-hand with organized user groups, combining municipal oversight with community insight. Together, they’ve developed a sustainable pickleball strategy that serves all players — recreational, social, instructional, and competitive — through a balanced mix of dedicated courts, shared spaces, and structured programming.

This collaborative approach has created one of the most active and inclusive pickleball communities in Ontario, proving that communication — not consultants — is the key to success.

Myth: Building a few courts will solve the problem.

Fact: Facilities alone don’t build community — people do.

Adding a handful of courts in scattered locations does little to address the sport’s social nature. Pickleball thrives in hubs — central facilities where dozens of players can rotate, meet new people, and take part in programs or leagues that fit their ability and schedule.

Without the organizational support of user groups, scattered courts often become dominated by small groups, leaving newcomers unsure how to join in. Dedicated hubs, developed in partnership with organized players, create structure, fairness, and a sense of belonging — the very qualities that have made pickleball so appealing in the first place.

The Path Forward for Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill has an opportunity to reset the conversation and learn from proven examples like Newmarket. The way forward isn’t complicated — it simply requires better communication and collaboration with those already building the pickleball community from the ground up.

By engaging organized user groups as partners — not competitors — the City can design facilities, programs, and strategies that truly reflect how pickleball is played and enjoyed.

A sustainable pickleball plan isn’t about competitive vs. community play. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and connected — the way pickleball was meant to be played.