Manitoulin Pickleball Club

Spring / Summer 2025 Season

The Spring / Summer 2025 Season has started. With 5 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, there is plenty of room for everyone to play.

Beginning April 21 play will take place 5 days per week, Monday - Friday (9:00am - 12;00pm) in the Little Current curling rink and Tuesday/Thursday evenings, 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Manitoulin Secondary School. 

Play at the high school will run until the end of May at which time evening play will start at the curling rink replacing the Tuesday/Thursday morning play. 

NorthShore Pickleball Leasgue

The first event of the 2025 Northshore Pickleball League will take place in Espanola on May 3, 2025.

For further information, please click HERE.

Fall 2024/ Winter 2025

Fall 2024/Winter 2025 season continues with 2 courts in the upstairs hall at the Nemi Rec Center and 4 courts at the Manitoulin Secondary School. 

Monday | Wednesday | Friday (9:00am - 12:00pm) Please leave your shoes at the door.

Tuesday | Thursday (6:00pm - 9:00pm) Manitoulin Secondary School. Please note the protocols listed on the main MPC web page.

If there are any schedule changes, they will appear on the website and on the club's facebook page. 

Summer Season 2024

The last day winter season play date upstairs is Monday April 22, 2024. Starting Wednesday April 24, 2024, play will be in the Curling Rink.

Summer Season 2024 officially starts April 29, 2024. With  5 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, the season promises something for everyone. Cost for indoor play will be the same as last year, $2.00 for members.(MPC membership required)

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know at: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com

Note: it is advised to wear warmer clothing because the Curling Rink is still cool.

Winter play 2023-2024

The winter play season starts Friday, November 3, upstairs at the NEMI Recreation Centre.  Please see the Schedule of Play Winter 2023-24 page for the latest details.

Summer Social - Photos

On August 16, 2023, Mike Blanchard hosted the Manitoulin Pickleball Club's summer Social gathering at his home.  Check out the photo gallery and send in your own pictures to be added to the page!

Summer Season begins!

The summer season of play has started, at the NEMI recreation centre in Little Current, in the curling rink area.  We meet from 9:00am-12:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  The fee is $2/session for members, and $3/session for non-members.

Pickleball tips

Keith Holtze has recommended a Youtube video with several pickleball tips, so please check it out and then come along to our regular play with any questions you may have!

Winter schedule beginning October 17

As of Monday October 17, 2022 we begin our Winter schedule of play. We continue to play at the NEMI Recreation Center in the upstairs Rec. Hall on Mon/Wed/Fri from 9:30am - 12:00pm. Please see the schedule page for details, directions, and contact info.

2022 Social

On Monday, August 29th, we gathered for our annual Pickleball Social, graciously hosted by Debbie. A few people took some pictures for us to remember the day.

Group Photo on Wednesday, August 24

We will be taking another group photo on Wednesday, August 24 during the usual play time session from 10am-12pm at the arena in Little Current. Please join us and wear your Manitoulin Pickleball apparel if you have it!

Tuesday Introduction sessions, and continued regular play

Reminder: For any interested adults, our “Introduction to Pickleball" sessions continue on Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm at the outdoor Pickleball/Tennis courts behind the NEMI Arena. Come out and play! Our regular scheduled club play continues on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10am-12pm.

Group Photos - Summer 2022

Not everyone plays every session, with busy travel schedules and such, so it's difficult to get a group photo with everyone! For this reason, we take more than one group photo through the summer, to try to include as many players as possible.  We expect to take another photo in August, and will announce the date ahead of time.

Manitoulin represented at Canadian National Pickleball Championships!

Four members of the Manitoulin Pickleball Group (Pierrette Hebner, Garry Wolfe, Bud Hebner and George Ballantyne) recently competed in the Canadian National Pickleball Championships held in Kingston, Ontario. This year there were more the 950 registered participants of all ages and skill levels from all over Canada.  Of special note “Bud” Hebner brought home a Bronze medal. In addition he and his wife Pierrette spent many hours “Officiating” games.  Well done!

Wind screens installed in Little Current

After making an application to the McLean's Mountain Access Road Committee last year our Club received a Grant of $1500. This allowed our Club to purchase 120’ of wind screen for the North Fence and they were installed on May 18. These screens will permit more controlled play of Pickleball on the outdoor courts during windy conditions.

Organized Play for Summer 2021

PICKLEBALL NEWS UPDATE

After reviewing a number of items:

• Nemi public health protocols
• the arena ice surface next to the curling surface is now on.
• the secondment of the Curling Rink until after the Federal Election
• the unpredictable nature of fall weather

It is time to wrap up the Summer Season of "Organized" Club Play.

Outdoor play on the tennis/pickleball courts is available in Little Current, Gore Bay, Mindemoya, Manitowaning, and Espanola on a first come first serve basis.

Indoor Play Resumes

Greetings – Indoor Court Access

We may gain access to a portion of our indoor Pickleball courts (2) as early as tomorrow Wednesday 28, 2021. Additional courts (2) will be made available once equipment and material currently being stored on these courts is removed.

When indoor play resumes there are certain requirements for safe play that we will be expected to follow. Please review the attached SAFETY PLAN in order that we may make a smooth transition to indoor play.

Note: There are some players who are willing and or prefer to continue playing outdoors. This would take some of the load off the two indoor courts and reduce wait times.

There a couple of options regarding how indoor play will be organized, we will have to see how many people wish to play on the indoor courts.

Questions can be directed to George Ballantyne at: glmballantyne@gmail.com

April Newsletter

MPG published a newsletter for April. Our plans are to publish one every 2-3 months. 

If there is information you would like to see in the newsletter, please send your request

to: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com

Play as of May 12, 2021

Pickleball play has been suspended until further notice.

Should you have questions or comments feel free to send to George at: glmballantyne@gmail.com

Play schedule as of March 9, 2021

As of Wednesday March 10, 2021 the following changes to our Pickleball Schedule come into effect:

• There will only be one net set up (Center Floor Location).
• We have added an extra hour of court time divided as follows and limited to 10 players per segment.
• The first segment is dedicated to open play (all levels) 90 minutes.The second segment is dedicated to advanced play 90 minutes.
• The schedule has been revised as follows Monday’s 1-4pm, Wednesday’s 1-4pm, Fridays 10am-1pm
• The nature of activity is limited to drills and Bud’s version of a drill that simulates singles play.
• We request that you enter and depart from the Facilities in an expedient manner to avoid player overlap.
• For tomorrow’s play I’m asking you to reply to me today as to your desired segment of play. 
• Moving forward I will get you to use a form at the Hall to reserve your segment.

Thank you for understanding and cooperation in this matter. Not to worry if you are unfamiliar with drills or singles play (Bud’s version) Bud and I will be there to help you through it.\\Should you have questions or comments feel free to send to George at: glmballantyne@gmail.com

March 7, 2021

Scheduled Pickleball play at the Central Manitoulin Community Center is cancelled until a group of us have an opportunity to further discuss options. Hopefully we will have an update before Wednesday March 10, 2021

Resumption of Play

Greetings

I have just received confirmation from Marcus Muhr that we are a “GO” to resume play as of tomorrow at 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Play will be in accordance with the Covid – 19 practices established before the interruption at Christmas. If in doubt please review these practices at the entrance to the Hall upon arrival when you sign in. See you all tomorrow! Cheers

George

Play Delay

Greetings Picklers

As most of you have concluded already our return to play date has been delayed until the lockdown is over. This date is subject to further change depending on the guidance provided by the Provincial Government. So like me, I recommend you occupy your spare time by taking up activities like washing the salt off your vehicles, shovelling your driveway, sanding icy pathways, bringing in firewood, watching the weather forecasts including the ones down in the sunny south, repeatedly having the same conversation with your spouse, taking up birdwatching, ordering stuff on Amazon, making your weekly dump run a date with your spouse, etc …… Cheers and stay safe!

Updated Guidelines for Play as of Dec 24

Due to the province wide lockdown, our play is suspended. We will advise further play when we know more and will send a general email announcement at that time.

Safety Reminder

Manitoulin Pickleball Club – Safety Reminder

The following information is intended to serve as a reminder of site specific (Mindemoya Community Center) safe practises that are to be followed by players. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 364/20 and the Guidance document specifically the section pertaining to Sports and Recreation as well as the COVID – 19 Response Framework we have the following measures:

• The main floor (court area) by definition is our “Room” and as such is limited to 10 people. Our game dictates a max of 8 players on the 2 courts. Wearing a mask while playing is a player decision. In the event a 9^th or 10th person ie. instructor, score keeper is in the room that person or persons must wear a mask and position themselves at the side of the court near a net post.
• The stage area is not a play area and we have identified it as separate from the play area. There are taped markings on the stage floor where chairs are located for social distancing. Masks are to be worn when not on the courts playing.
• Furthermore masks are to be worn when traveling to and from the courts.
• Masks are to be worn at all other times when in the Community Center.
• On a broader note: Players must decide for themselves
  • Do I feel safe to play (if in doubt error on the safe side)?
  • Have I travelled (ie. travelled to an area with a higher risk)?
  • Have I enlarged my (unprotected) social circle?
  • Do I feel sick today?
• The above reminders are in addition to the existing safe protocols for pickleball (equipment sanitization, ball cleaning), player sign in etc.

Have fun and play safe!

Nov 23, 2020-G.Ballantyne

Read More

Winter Play

Greetings everyone
      As most of you are aware tomorrow marks the beginning of the “Winter Season” of play for our Club. I have attached a poster that details the schedule and location of play. A few more points I want to share with you:- please wear your masks when entering the building and when you are not on the courts.- there will be chairs at the entrance for you to use when changing footwear. Please leave your outdoor footwear at the entrance.
- remember to sign in (print your name) on the attendance sheet.
- please bring exact change (2$) for rental fee.
- if not on the courts, the stage will serve as the stand by resting area. Or should I say the VIP - spectator gallery.
- please use the “common” washroom next to our playing courts (not the ones downstairs).
- be advised to “move things along” between games because we only have a tight 2 hour time slot and only 2 courts for play.
- we have created a site specific court arrangement. When numbers dictate we will utilize the 2 court layout. The 2 court arrangement results in a 10% reduction in court width on each court. The length is the same. We have close proximity to the side walls. When the attendance numbers are less the 8 we can switch to the single court layout.
- we can expect some new players and or spectators because of the community promotion poster (attached).
- I am enquiring about getting additional access to the lower room for purposes of working with new players and or drills.
- we recommend lighter clothing because the hall is heated.
- the format of play may vary a bit, based on numbers we may employ charts, round robin, paddles. Be ready for a mixed bag of routines
- let’s “embrace” this change of venue with a positive attitude. We are open to all of your constructive suggestions.

“Game on!” 

• George

Season End

Hello:

Our season at the NEMI Rec Center is coming to an end. Considering all the happenings this year, we did manage to get in some very good sessions. I want to thank everyone who helped in the organizing of our Summer season.

Watch for an email next week, announcing our Winter season play. 
Safe travels - wherever you end up. 

Spring / Summer 2025 Season

The Spring / Summer 2025 Season has started. With 5 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, there is plenty of room for everyone to play.

Beginning April 21 play will take place 5 days per week, Monday - Friday (9:00am - 12;00pm) in the Little Current curling rink and Tuesday/Thursday evenings, 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Manitoulin Secondary School. 

Play at the high school will run until the end of May at which time evening play will start at the curling rink replacing the Tuesday/Thursday morning play. 

NorthShore Pickleball Leasgue

The first event of the 2025 Northshore Pickleball League will take place in Espanola on May 3, 2025.

For further information, please click HERE.

Fall 2024/ Winter 2025

Fall 2024/Winter 2025 season continues with 2 courts in the upstairs hall at the Nemi Rec Center and 4 courts at the Manitoulin Secondary School. 

Monday | Wednesday | Friday (9:00am - 12:00pm) Please leave your shoes at the door.

Tuesday | Thursday (6:00pm - 9:00pm) Manitoulin Secondary School. Please note the protocols listed on the main MPC web page.

If there are any schedule changes, they will appear on the website and on the club's facebook page. 

Summer Season 2024

The last day winter season play date upstairs is Monday April 22, 2024. Starting Wednesday April 24, 2024, play will be in the Curling Rink.

Summer Season 2024 officially starts April 29, 2024. With  5 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, the season promises something for everyone. Cost for indoor play will be the same as last year, $2.00 for members.(MPC membership required)

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know at: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com

Note: it is advised to wear warmer clothing because the Curling Rink is still cool.

Winter play 2023-2024

The winter play season starts Friday, November 3, upstairs at the NEMI Recreation Centre.  Please see the Schedule of Play Winter 2023-24 page for the latest details.

Summer Social - Photos

On August 16, 2023, Mike Blanchard hosted the Manitoulin Pickleball Club's summer Social gathering at his home.  Check out the photo gallery and send in your own pictures to be added to the page!

Summer Season begins!

The summer season of play has started, at the NEMI recreation centre in Little Current, in the curling rink area.  We meet from 9:00am-12:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  The fee is $2/session for members, and $3/session for non-members.

Pickleball tips

Keith Holtze has recommended a Youtube video with several pickleball tips, so please check it out and then come along to our regular play with any questions you may have!

Winter schedule beginning October 17

As of Monday October 17, 2022 we begin our Winter schedule of play. We continue to play at the NEMI Recreation Center in the upstairs Rec. Hall on Mon/Wed/Fri from 9:30am - 12:00pm. Please see the schedule page for details, directions, and contact info.

2022 Social

On Monday, August 29th, we gathered for our annual Pickleball Social, graciously hosted by Debbie. A few people took some pictures for us to remember the day.

Group Photo on Wednesday, August 24

We will be taking another group photo on Wednesday, August 24 during the usual play time session from 10am-12pm at the arena in Little Current. Please join us and wear your Manitoulin Pickleball apparel if you have it!

Tuesday Introduction sessions, and continued regular play

Reminder: For any interested adults, our “Introduction to Pickleball" sessions continue on Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm at the outdoor Pickleball/Tennis courts behind the NEMI Arena. Come out and play! Our regular scheduled club play continues on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10am-12pm.

Group Photos - Summer 2022

Not everyone plays every session, with busy travel schedules and such, so it's difficult to get a group photo with everyone! For this reason, we take more than one group photo through the summer, to try to include as many players as possible.  We expect to take another photo in August, and will announce the date ahead of time.

Manitoulin represented at Canadian National Pickleball Championships!

Four members of the Manitoulin Pickleball Group (Pierrette Hebner, Garry Wolfe, Bud Hebner and George Ballantyne) recently competed in the Canadian National Pickleball Championships held in Kingston, Ontario. This year there were more the 950 registered participants of all ages and skill levels from all over Canada.  Of special note “Bud” Hebner brought home a Bronze medal. In addition he and his wife Pierrette spent many hours “Officiating” games.  Well done!

Wind screens installed in Little Current

After making an application to the McLean's Mountain Access Road Committee last year our Club received a Grant of $1500. This allowed our Club to purchase 120’ of wind screen for the North Fence and they were installed on May 18. These screens will permit more controlled play of Pickleball on the outdoor courts during windy conditions.

Organized Play for Summer 2021

PICKLEBALL NEWS UPDATE

After reviewing a number of items:

• Nemi public health protocols
• the arena ice surface next to the curling surface is now on.
• the secondment of the Curling Rink until after the Federal Election
• the unpredictable nature of fall weather

It is time to wrap up the Summer Season of "Organized" Club Play.

Outdoor play on the tennis/pickleball courts is available in Little Current, Gore Bay, Mindemoya, Manitowaning, and Espanola on a first come first serve basis.

Indoor Play Resumes

Greetings – Indoor Court Access

We may gain access to a portion of our indoor Pickleball courts (2) as early as tomorrow Wednesday 28, 2021. Additional courts (2) will be made available once equipment and material currently being stored on these courts is removed.

When indoor play resumes there are certain requirements for safe play that we will be expected to follow. Please review the attached SAFETY PLAN in order that we may make a smooth transition to indoor play.

Note: There are some players who are willing and or prefer to continue playing outdoors. This would take some of the load off the two indoor courts and reduce wait times.

There a couple of options regarding how indoor play will be organized, we will have to see how many people wish to play on the indoor courts.

Questions can be directed to George Ballantyne at: glmballantyne@gmail.com

April Newsletter

MPG published a newsletter for April. Our plans are to publish one every 2-3 months. 

If there is information you would like to see in the newsletter, please send your request

to: manitoulinpickleball@gmail.com

Play as of May 12, 2021

Pickleball play has been suspended until further notice.

Should you have questions or comments feel free to send to George at: glmballantyne@gmail.com

Play schedule as of March 9, 2021

As of Wednesday March 10, 2021 the following changes to our Pickleball Schedule come into effect:

• There will only be one net set up (Center Floor Location).
• We have added an extra hour of court time divided as follows and limited to 10 players per segment.
• The first segment is dedicated to open play (all levels) 90 minutes.The second segment is dedicated to advanced play 90 minutes.
• The schedule has been revised as follows Monday’s 1-4pm, Wednesday’s 1-4pm, Fridays 10am-1pm
• The nature of activity is limited to drills and Bud’s version of a drill that simulates singles play.
• We request that you enter and depart from the Facilities in an expedient manner to avoid player overlap.
• For tomorrow’s play I’m asking you to reply to me today as to your desired segment of play. 
• Moving forward I will get you to use a form at the Hall to reserve your segment.

Thank you for understanding and cooperation in this matter. Not to worry if you are unfamiliar with drills or singles play (Bud’s version) Bud and I will be there to help you through it.\\Should you have questions or comments feel free to send to George at: glmballantyne@gmail.com

March 7, 2021

Scheduled Pickleball play at the Central Manitoulin Community Center is cancelled until a group of us have an opportunity to further discuss options. Hopefully we will have an update before Wednesday March 10, 2021

Resumption of Play

Greetings

I have just received confirmation from Marcus Muhr that we are a “GO” to resume play as of tomorrow at 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Play will be in accordance with the Covid – 19 practices established before the interruption at Christmas. If in doubt please review these practices at the entrance to the Hall upon arrival when you sign in. See you all tomorrow! Cheers

George

Play Delay

Greetings Picklers

As most of you have concluded already our return to play date has been delayed until the lockdown is over. This date is subject to further change depending on the guidance provided by the Provincial Government. So like me, I recommend you occupy your spare time by taking up activities like washing the salt off your vehicles, shovelling your driveway, sanding icy pathways, bringing in firewood, watching the weather forecasts including the ones down in the sunny south, repeatedly having the same conversation with your spouse, taking up birdwatching, ordering stuff on Amazon, making your weekly dump run a date with your spouse, etc …… Cheers and stay safe!

Updated Guidelines for Play as of Dec 24

Due to the province wide lockdown, our play is suspended. We will advise further play when we know more and will send a general email announcement at that time.

Safety Reminder

Manitoulin Pickleball Club – Safety Reminder

The following information is intended to serve as a reminder of site specific (Mindemoya Community Center) safe practises that are to be followed by players. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 364/20 and the Guidance document specifically the section pertaining to Sports and Recreation as well as the COVID – 19 Response Framework we have the following measures:

• The main floor (court area) by definition is our “Room” and as such is limited to 10 people. Our game dictates a max of 8 players on the 2 courts. Wearing a mask while playing is a player decision. In the event a 9^th or 10th person ie. instructor, score keeper is in the room that person or persons must wear a mask and position themselves at the side of the court near a net post.
• The stage area is not a play area and we have identified it as separate from the play area. There are taped markings on the stage floor where chairs are located for social distancing. Masks are to be worn when not on the courts playing.
• Furthermore masks are to be worn when traveling to and from the courts.
• Masks are to be worn at all other times when in the Community Center.
• On a broader note: Players must decide for themselves
  • Do I feel safe to play (if in doubt error on the safe side)?
  • Have I travelled (ie. travelled to an area with a higher risk)?
  • Have I enlarged my (unprotected) social circle?
  • Do I feel sick today?
• The above reminders are in addition to the existing safe protocols for pickleball (equipment sanitization, ball cleaning), player sign in etc.

Have fun and play safe!

Nov 23, 2020-G.Ballantyne

Read More

Winter Play

Greetings everyone
      As most of you are aware tomorrow marks the beginning of the “Winter Season” of play for our Club. I have attached a poster that details the schedule and location of play. A few more points I want to share with you:- please wear your masks when entering the building and when you are not on the courts.- there will be chairs at the entrance for you to use when changing footwear. Please leave your outdoor footwear at the entrance.
- remember to sign in (print your name) on the attendance sheet.
- please bring exact change (2$) for rental fee.
- if not on the courts, the stage will serve as the stand by resting area. Or should I say the VIP - spectator gallery.
- please use the “common” washroom next to our playing courts (not the ones downstairs).
- be advised to “move things along” between games because we only have a tight 2 hour time slot and only 2 courts for play.
- we have created a site specific court arrangement. When numbers dictate we will utilize the 2 court layout. The 2 court arrangement results in a 10% reduction in court width on each court. The length is the same. We have close proximity to the side walls. When the attendance numbers are less the 8 we can switch to the single court layout.
- we can expect some new players and or spectators because of the community promotion poster (attached).
- I am enquiring about getting additional access to the lower room for purposes of working with new players and or drills.
- we recommend lighter clothing because the hall is heated.
- the format of play may vary a bit, based on numbers we may employ charts, round robin, paddles. Be ready for a mixed bag of routines
- let’s “embrace” this change of venue with a positive attitude. We are open to all of your constructive suggestions.

“Game on!” 

• George

Season End

Hello:

Our season at the NEMI Rec Center is coming to an end. Considering all the happenings this year, we did manage to get in some very good sessions. I want to thank everyone who helped in the organizing of our Summer season.

Watch for an email next week, announcing our Winter season play. 
Safe travels - wherever you end up.