Sharbot Lake Still in a Pickle

Kelli McRobert | Jun 07, 2023

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America. We have heard this time and again, and the townships are struggling to keep up with the demand for locations for players to play. One of the biggest challenges is indoor play as we know the Canadian winters are unforgiving with wind, sleet, and snow. But the further north you live, drive, or work, the harder it becomes to find somewhere safe to play. Many locations are still playing on rough pavement, or for example, Parham is playing on ‘gravel’ an uneven, unsafe surface that will cause injuries and is not conducive to a paddle sport.

This past week residents, and all volunteers, of Sharbot Lake headed out to the courts on Garrett Street and spent hours resurfacing/sealing the asphalt and then diligently re-lining the 4 courts so they could play outside. Over the winter months, they were able to rent a space at the GREC where they would have to line each court, every time they played, as they crammed in 3 nets to accommodate the well-attended games. Players had to patiently wait their turn as they rotated courts with 18 people coming out during the evening sessions, and a lengthy waitlist on the roster.

The courts have been discussed numerous times, and every year the same concerns come up as to where the courts should go, how they would be funded, and who owns what piece of land, and its future use. The players, just want to play, and had hoped last year that a resolution could be found, even if short-term, as they awaited a final proposal on the former abandoned courts where they currently hold fenced-in games. A determined group of folks take it upon themselves to fundraise, work, and coordinate the play, including the labour for the court restorations.

They are grateful for the recent donation from the Oso Recreation Committee who donated funds towards new nets, line paint, resurfacing materials, and storage bin. Council supported pickleball play at this location through the donation of a port-o-potty, and grass maintenance surrounding the courts. The group is hopeful that Council will come to see how lucrative (for the local economy) and positive this initiative is in supporting their residents mental and physical wellbeing, with little to no cost to manage this evolving sport.

Two courts had been suggested for the new rink located on Hwy 38, however safety concerns have been raised as the size of the rink could not accommodate the needed court layout (spacing). Regular play has resumed at the Garrett courts (0900-1200hrs and some evenings), and planned ‘learn to play’ sessions will be held on Thursdays -June 8th, 15th and 22nd @6:30 PM, and Fridays 9th, 16th, and 23rd @0900 hrs. Equipment will be provided for those interested in coming to try it out!

Cost will be $5.00 towards the Sharbot Lake Pickleball fundraising initiative. For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Let’s hope as the need for courts continues to increase that discussions can move forward towards a permanent, safe, solution to meet everyone’s goals.

Thank you to the volunteers who are continuing to work towards a safe and accessible place to play for everyone.