FAQs

The Outdoor Racquet Sport Strategy (ORSS) will provide the City of Barrie with a long-term guide for investment in outdoor tennis and pickleball facilities.

Tennis is a racquet sport that is played between two opposing players or in teams of two on a hard surface court with painted lining to denote the playing boundaries. Tennis is played using a racquet to strike a felt-covered, rubber ball over or around a net to the opposing player who aims to return the ball within the playing boundaries. Tennis is an inclusive sport that is played at any ages and ability, including by persons with disabilities such as wheelchair users.

Pickleball Ontario describes the sport as a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game is played on a badminton size court with a whiffle ball, about the size of a tennis ball; and a solid smooth surface, short handled paddle larger than a ping pong paddle. The game is easy to learn and you do not have to be an athlete to play. Pickleball is a great way to get active, keep active, and have fun at the same time. It has great aerobics value. Pickleball is recognized as the fastest growing sport in Canada.

In response to Motion 22-G-042 to investigate construction of pickleball courts, General Committee directed that an Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy (ORSS) be conducted to provide direction on outdoor pickleball and tennis recreation facilities across the City for consideration in the 2023 Capital Budget.

As recognized in the City’s Outdoor Recreational Facility Study:

“With the municipal provision of outdoor pickleball courts still in its infancy, there are no generally accepted provision targets; outdoor pickleball courts are typically provided on a case-by-case basis in response to localized demands”. (Page 56)

 “…there is merit in considering additional [pickleball] facilities to respond to the popularity of the sport, as well as the City’s aging demographic”. (Page 56)

The City of Barrie conducted the Outdoor Recreational Facility Study in 2019. At the time, pickleball was in its infancy in Barrie and limited data was available regarding generally accepted provision targets for outdoor pickleball facilities in Ontario municipalities. In response to the rapidly growing interest in pickleball in Barrie, most notably observed in 2022, the ORSS will provide a detailed review of the interests and needs for outdoor tennis and pickleball facilities.

A comprehensive Parks Master Plan, including the review of provision targets for all sports in Barrie, is anticipated to take place in future. The ORSS will inform the future Parks Master Plan.

Badminton is a racquet sport that is typically enjoyed in an indoor setting, as the outdoor elements (wind) can significantly impact gameplay. 

The Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy focuses on outdoor racquet sports facilities, such as tennis and pickleball courts.

Residents who are interested in playing badminton outdoors may use pickleball courts, as badminton and pickleball courts share the same dimensions.

Ping-Pong/table tennis is a racquet sport that can be enjoyed in both an indoor and outdoor settings.

Outdoor table tennis facilities are not typically provided as a baseline level of service by municipalities. The City of Barrie provides outdoor table tennis opportunities typically as part of a park redevelopment/enhancements process, where sufficient support is identified, where requests have been made, or where deemed appropriate.

Existing outdoor table tennis facilities in the City of Barrie can be enjoyed at Painswick Park.

The Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy focuses on long-term sustainable delivery of outdoor tennis and pickleball facilities.

Indoor recreation facilities, such as indoor tennis and pickleball courts, will be evaluated as part of the Recreation Master Plan, lead by the City's Recreation and Culture Services Department.

The Outdoor Racquet Sport Strategy (ORSS) is targeted to be finalized in fall 2024. Stay up to date on project updates by visiting buildingbarrie.ca/RacquetSports