Thunder Bay City Hall (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)

The city has taken a small step toward a dedicated pickleball facility at the Northwood Playfield Park following approval by council for administration to move forward with further detailed planning of an outdoor facility.

The municipal body also approved that administration support the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club in its applications to external funding agencies which would expedite the process of seeing the project realized.

The conversation was sparked this past spring as members of the not-for-profit organization approached the Parks & Open Space Planning Unit requesting to meet to discuss the future of the sport in Thunder Bay.

It had previously worked with the unit on establishing secure member-only court bookings for the club at the Boulevard Lake pickleball courts.

Membership of the club has grown substantially since last year, and officials felt there was a need for more dedicated sites, especially in the city’s south side.

Final approval of this facility is not expected to occur within the projected 3-year Capital Forecast, however, this could change should the club successfully secure external funding to assist with the capital costs.