A range of racquet recreation took over Cambridge Civic Square on Thursday as the city hosted Racquet In The Square. Instructors and Waterloo Region’s only pro pickleball team, Grand River Rapids, were on hand to help show people the basics. Participants could try their hands at pickleball, squash, table tennis, badminton and tennis. “To get the community to come out to participate in recreation and sport. And what better way than a number of the racquet sports that we actually have in town as well,” Rob Axiak, Cambridge’s city manager, said. While the sports all had their differences, many of the clubs said they have seen growth in recent years. “It’s a great idea, all the sports together. Hopefully people will come and enjoy tennis, badminton, table tennis - pickleball is the rage, but people have to keep active so that’s why we’re here,” Mary Ann Gaskin, president of the Cambridge Tennis Club, said. Some teams have even started looking for more space to support the number of members signing up. “We could use far more facilities,” Tom Chow, vice president of Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region, said. “Fortunately, Cambridge will be opening their recreational centres shortly, which will offer pickleball. There are a variety of different places in Cambridge to play. But as well, the Cowan Centre will be opening shortly in Kitchener, will also provide some facilities.” Representatives for all sports encouraged residents just to get out and participate. “You can play all these sports for a lifetime, and that’s what you want to do,” Gaskin said. Kids camps The next generation of players also got a taste for the sports on Thursday. “Everyone seems to really enjoy racquet sports. It’s for every population group from young all the way up to seniors. And you’ll see that in pickleball. You’ll see that in squash. Racquet sports are definitely taking off,” Axiak said. Summer camps brought some of their young members to the event. “Our camp is doing badminton and just having fun trying all different sports,” Emily, a camper, said. Emily said her favourite sport was probably tennis. “Just because I feel like it’s funner and you get to experience a lot, and it just has more running and I feel like it’s kinda fun,” Emily said. Pro pickleball The Grand River Rapids professional pickleball team used the day to let people know about an upcoming championship they’ll be hosting in September. “The weekend of September 25, 26, 27, we’re hosting the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) playoff championships. The top six teams in the CNPL will be there and it’ll be at The Club at Northfield in Waterloo, and it’ll be the top pickleball played across not only the province, but Canada as well,” Tony Camilo, general manager of the Grand River Rapids, said. The Rapids are currently second in the CNPL standings and have clinched a spot in the playoffs. Tickets for the playoff championships will be available online. Although the playoffs were on their minds, it was also a chance to connect with the community. “Great exposure for not only pickleball and Grand River Rapids, but it’s a great exposure to all racquet sports,” Camilo said.
