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PulseHaus Radio
Proposed pickleball hub aims to serve growing Coldbrook community
A proposed pickleball facility in Coldbrook is moving closer to reality as local organizers continue fundraising and seek grant support for the project.
The Coldbrook Community Association is proposing to build three outdoor pickleball courts on property beside the Lions Hall in Coldbrook. Construction could begin later this year depending on fundraising progress and grant approvals.
The project grew out of concerns about limited recreation infrastructure in the growing community.
Doug Holland, chairman of the association, said the group first explored the idea after recognizing growing local interest in pickleball but limited nearby facilities for residents.
A public interest meeting held in late summer 2025 attracted more than 30 people and eventually led to the formation of a dedicated pickleball committee.
“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, and local demand is clearly outpacing available infrastructure,” Holland said.
At present, Coldbrook residents interested in the sport must travel to neighbouring communities to find courts.
Holland said the proposed facility would include three standard-sized outdoor courts, fencing, and two four-foot-wide entrances. Lighting and noise mitigation measures may also be added if funding allows.
The courts would be built in partnership with the Coldbrook and District Lions Club, which leases the property from the Municipality of the County of Kings.
“The facility is envisioned as Coldbrook’s first true recreation hub, a welcoming, low-barrier gathering space where people of all ages and abilities can connect,” Holland said.
He said the proposed courts are expected to support casual drop-in play, organized leagues, clinics, and community events.
The project is currently at the grant application stage, with applications submitted to Nova Scotia’s Recreation Facility Development Grant and the Municipality of the County of Kings’ Kings Vision Grant program.
To help raise funds locally, the association recently held a dinner and auction attended by about 300 people. The Coldbrook and District Lions Club has also contributed $25,000 toward the project.
John Stalker, the association’s vice-chairman and treasurer, said the construction timeline remains dependent on grant decisions and fundraising progress.
Groundbreaking is now expected later in the summer or toward the end of the season, partly due to contractor availability during the busy summer months.
“There is a chance that there might not be any work at all done this year if the funding doesn’t get us to a minimum threshold,” Stalker said.
“It’s one of the trickier projects we’ve done as an organization, made even more challenging by being a volunteer group, in a rural community, driven by grants.”
Holland said continued community support will remain important moving forward.
“Government grants are not guaranteed, and ultimately we will build what we can afford,” he said. “The generous support of our local businesses and community members is more important than ever.”
Holland said the association hopes to organize additional fundraising events, including another dinner and auction, while continuing to seek donations from local residents and businesses.
Stalker said the project reflects the same volunteer-driven approach the association has used for decades to maintain local parks, playgrounds, walking trails, Heritage Hall, and the Pioneer Cemetery.
Residents can follow project updates through the Coldbrook Community Association’s Facebook page and website.
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