The pickleball courts slated for Delhi Park drew more than 50 residents to a Public Information Centre (PIC) last week. An embattled Director of Recreation and Community Facilities, Lisa Lindsay fielded pointed questions from a  largely — or perhaps just loudly— opposed crowd.

The County has approved six pickleball courts for Delhi Park. The $400,000 project will be funded through
a combination of $133,500 from the Parkland Reserve Fund and $266,500 from Prince Edward Pickleball (PEP). 

Display boards traced the project’s evolution from its designation as a Project of Community Interest in 2022 through Council’s decision to select Delhi Park as the preferred site in January 2024. 

According to Ms. Lindsay, Delhi Park is the only municipally owned property in Picton that meets the criteria for accessibility, available space, parking, and active transportation connections. The courts promised to revitalize an underused recreational amenity.

Those details, however, were drowned out by residents, who questioned both the choice of location and the public consultation process — or lack of one.

Ms. Lindsay, who came to the outdoor meeting without a microphone, said her office had not anticipated the large turnout. She often struggled to be heard as questions came from different parts of the crowd and side conversations cut in.

Throughout, she defended the County’s site selection process. “We did a lengthy exploration of where these courts could go,” she said, explaining that Delhi Park was identified and approved as part of  the County’s Park’s and Recreation Master Plan in 2025. 

When residents suggested the Picton Fairgrounds as an alternative, Ms. Lindsay said the space was “oversaturated,” with multiple community uses, and noted existing recreation must be shut down for major events like the Picton Fair, the Cheese Fest, and the annual Arts & Crafts Show.

She also noted that Delhi Park is intended for recreation.

“It’s a park. People can enjoy it and have sports here,” she said, noting any sport would be subject to the noise bylaw.

But many were unconvinced.

Resident Liz Driver wondered whether the County had spent enough time considering the location. “Is pickleball right for Delhi Park?” she asked, stressing its peace, quiet, and abundant wildlife.

Concerns about the lack of public consultation surfaced repeatedly.

One resident said he had canvassed Mary Street and surrounding neighbourhoods after learning of the proposal.

“No one knew about these courts,” he said. “There was no public consultation. Everything seems to be shrouded in secrecy.”

Another resident, Leslie Hardy, noted, “I’m not necessarily on one side or the other. They say there was a lot of consultation, and I don’t think there was.”

“Your point is well taken,” said Ms. Lindsay. “This is not a shovel-ready project. There is still hundreds of thousands of dollars to raise.” 

About $66,000 remains to be raised. PEP has raised $200,000 of its required $266,500.

Ms. Lindsay stressed that the purpose of the Public Information Centre was to explain the project, not revisit Council decisions. “This isn’t about right or wrong,” she said. “This is about information.” Still, residents were bothered that the consultation was unfolding only after the project had been approved.

“This project that’s already being approved,” asked one. “How do we go about getting it unapproved?” 

Residents wishing to challenge the proposal can register to bring a Deputation before Council through the Clerk’s Office, or attend a meeting of Council where Pickleball is on the agenda, to give a Comment from the audience. 

Supporters of the proposal also made their case. One stressed a former ball diamond — and town dump — was an appropriate location. “I’m an ecologist and an environmentalist,” he said. “And this is a dump.”

Another supporter urged residents to consider the benefits. “This isn’t just about adults,” she said. “My grandson plays pickleball. They’re teaching it in the high schools.” She said she hoped the local pickleball community could provide equipment for low-income families so more children could participate.