Jacks secures support to locate pickleball courts to TCFC
Posted April 29, 2026
New Tecumseth councillors, sitting in committee, voted 5-4 to build proposed outdoor pickleball courts at the Tottenham Community and Fitness Centre (TCFC) rather than Keogh Park, which was recommended in a staff report. (Ward 3 councillor Paul Foster was absent).
Tottenham councillor Andrea Jacks argued for the TCFC as having fewer associated issues - noise, parking - than Keogh Park, which was closer to residential areas.
The estimated $290,000 cost in the report was for two pickleball courts at Keogh Park, including noise mitigation measures, which Jacks also argued weren't necessary at the TCFC site.
Ward 1 councillor Chris Rapin suggested the Town should be looking for private commercial opportunities to provide pickleball, noting there was vacant warehouse space in Tottenham that could be explored.
"There are possibly other options that don't involve our dollars," said Rapin.
Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan said she opposed the TFCF site because the pickleball courts would be built where the skatepark is currently located.
MacLellan said she couldn't support "removing (the skatepark), a part of recreation kids still enjoy. I know we're trying to expand our recreation but we can't do that if we keep removing a piece to add a piece. That's not real expansion."
Jacks admitted there would be a "gap" where no skatepark would exist in Tottenham until it is rebuilt.
"Regardless of the pickleball built there or not, that skatepark at the TCFC needs to be moved, reconstructed, expanded and relocated," said Jacks. "That skatepark is not staying there in perpetuity, regardless. ... I just think this is a nice anchor."
The move is still not confirmed until it's passed in council at the May 11 meeting.
Report recommends two pickleball courts at Keogh Park in Tottenham
Posted April 27, 2026
New Tecumseth council is considering a $290,000 proposal to build two outdoor pickleball courts in Tottenham, with Keogh Park identified as the preferred location for the project.
A report to council to council on tonight's agenda says the budget would fund site preparation, a concrete base, fencing, acrylic court surfacing, painted lines, posts and nets.
The project is proposed to be paid from the town’s recreation development charges reserve. Annual costs of $5,800 for maintenance and future replacement reserves.
The Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan (PTOSMP) (2024) identified the need for five additional pickleball courts by 2040 to align with a provision rate of one court per 5,000 residents and to accommodate anticipated population growth.
Municipalities across Ontario have seen rising demand for dedicated courts as players move beyond temporary setups on tennis courts and gym floors.
Keogh Park has emerged as the preferred site for its existing open space, recreation setting and access to surrounding neighbourhoods were cited as advantages.
However, the location could also raise concerns from nearby residents. Pickleball has generated complaints in some municipalities because of the repetitive popping sound created when paddles strike the plastic ball, particularly during extended play or early morning hours.
Communities elsewhere have responded by limiting hours of operation, installing sound barriers, increasing setbacks from homes or studying quieter equipment. Similar issues may be considered in Tottenham if Keogh Park is approved, given the park’s proximity to residential areas.
Locating dedicated pickleball courts at Keogh Park would reinforce its role as a primary location for racquet sports, complementing existing tennis facilities while supporting efficient use of shared park amenities.
Story aided by AI