Re: Delhi Best Place for Pickleball (Letters, May 27). I am writing to clarify an inaccuracy regarding the Delhi Park Community Connections Plan referenced in Stephanie Roth’s letter to the editor. The Plan was prepared by the County to improve accessibility and circulation within the park, not to advance pickleball development proposals.
As the landscape architect consultant retained by the County for the Delhi Park Community Connections Project (2023–24), VTLA’s role focused specifically on studying the existing pathway network within Delhi Park and identifying opportunities for accessibility improvements and enhanced active transportation connections throughout Picton — connecting ridge to ridge. The scope of this work had nothing to do with pickleball planning or site selection.
Over the seven-month consultation process, coordinated through the County’s Community Services Department, pickleball was never a topic of discussion during consultation meetings, stakeholder sessions, or staff advisory meetings. The public engagement process focused on pathways, accessibility, park connectivity, ecological considerations, public art, and improving community access to the park.
Ms. Roth’s letter references a dashed line shown on the Schematic Pathways Plan as evidence of proposed pickleball courts. This interpretation is incorrect. The dashed notation simply identified a potential future location that would be conditional upon required studies, technical review, and approvals. In addition to the due diligence undertaken by County Operations and Parks staff, Friends of Delhi Park and other area residents have requested that Noise Impact, Tree Protection, Marsh Creek floodplain, and parking assessments also be completed.
I hope we can slow down, pause, and take the time to listen to the stories this landscape has to share — its ecology, its history, and its importance to the many people who value Delhi Park as a unique natural and community space. I welcome more dialogue on this topic.
Victoria Taylor, Principal, VTLA
Re: Delhi the Worst Place for Pickleball (Letters, June 3). Having just read Ms. Klingenburger’s letter, I endorse the views she expresses. I have nothing against the concept of providing a suitable location for fans of the game to indulge their hobby. However, as all realtors say, location, location, location!
Two things that nobody seems to have raised regarding this ill-conceived idea are, firstly, Delhi Park is a natural amphitheatre. Sounds of baseball bats, children at play, the musical groups that play on summer Saturdays, are all conveyed upwards, to Mary Street and all the streets on the other side of the Park. Secondly, neither I as a Tenant on Mary Street, nor my landlord, nor my neighbours, were, to my knowledge, contacted by Council staff regarding the possibility of this project!
My wife and I are appalled that we may have to deal with the noise and floodlights from this venture as well as the other issues Ms. Klingenburger noted. And it’s not just the noise of the rackets, it’s the racket of 24 players engaged in what is, let’s face it, a competitive sport…it’s not just going to be “nice shot Mary” or “well played Bill”. Canadians are passionate about their sports, and quite rightly! They should recognize what this means to non-players trying to get some peace and quiet on their own patios!
Why not move this project to the fairgrounds and preserve the quiet, natural integrity of Delhi Park?
D. Lynn Morgan, Picton
Re: Delhi Pickleball Courts Spark Debate (News, May 13). As a frequent user of Delhi Park for the past 17 years, I am not convinced that this tranquil, green space is the best spot for six pickleball courts.
Delhi Park is listed as a high-priority cultural heritage landscape in the County’s new Cultural Heritage Master Plan. There are questions in the community about how the pickleball project would align with this designation.
People currently use the park as a calm, accessible space that’s an escape from everyday busyness and activity. Prince Edward Pickleball has over 300 members. They currently have use of 20 courts throughout the County (some of which they share with other activities). If all of those members, or even half of them, came to play in Delhi, consider the lighting, noise, traffic, and environmental impacts as they rotate through the day, playing until 9:30 in the evening? Studies should be done so that we fully understand the courts’ impact and how they may conflict with the cultural heritage standing of the park.
Are the Picton Fairgrounds an alternative? They have infrastructure such as parking and lighting. They already host sports activities including skateboarding, curling, and hockey. Why not add pickleball into the mix to make the fairgrounds a true community recreation hub?
Betsy Matthews, Picton
See it in the newspaper
25° Cloudy
