Pickleball explosion: Toronto opens 16-court complex as demand surges across the city

Toronto has opened one of its largest outdoor pickleball facilities, a 25,000-square-foot complex at Main Sewage Treatment Playground near Eastern and Coxwell Avenues, as the paddle sport continues its rapid surge in popularity across the city.

The new facility features 16 wheelchair-accessible courts, a shade structure, bleacher seating with accessible benches, improved fencing and entry gates, and colour-coated court surfaces designed to enhance play. The complex is roughly the size of six full basketball courts.

With this opening, Toronto now offers more than 300 pickleball courts across 108 outdoor summer locations. The $1.05-million project was funded through Mayor Olivia Chow's Back on Track program, an initiative aimed at revitalizing recreational infrastructure while expanding access to sports and outdoor activities.

"Recreation spaces are where neighbours come together, stay active and build stronger communities," Chow said in a statement. "Through my Back on Track program, we are investing in parks and facilities across Toronto to create more accessible opportunities for people of all ages to play, connect and enjoy the outdoors."

Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has exploded in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. The game is easy to learn, relatively inexpensive to play, and has drawn participants ranging from young adults to retirees. Municipalities across Canada have been expanding court access to meet surging demand.