Fireworks damage Windsor pickleball court

Some pickleball players say they have one less court to play on following vandalism at Fontainebleau Park.

“It costs a lot of money for these courts and the city put the money out,” says pickleball player, Marc Dibiase. “People are lighting fireworks. Go do it on the grass.”

James Chacko, executive director of parks and facilities at the City of Windsor, confirms the cause of damage is lighting fireworks.

He says a handful of complaints came in on July 2.

City workers then went in and cleaned up the area but permanent damage to the surface remains.

Chacko says are no plans to replace the surface at this time.

Amenities like these are not locked at night in the City of Windsor.

Chacko describes the vandalism as an isolated incident.

A police report has since been filed.

The city asks the public to call 311 or the Windsor Police non-emergency line if they have any further information.

“I hope they have cameras and can find the people so that they can pay for the repairs,” said Dibiase.