Curling Club Trades Ice for Pickleball Courts

Curl Moncton, the city's last curling club, is actively diversifying its offerings by launching its own pickleball club, Southeast Pickleball. This strategic move follows the decision not to renew the lease with the existing Pickleball Moncton association.

The facility, previously known only as Curl Moncton, will now be renamed the Southeast Multiplex. This rebranding reflects the growing variety of activities hosted, including yoga, tai chi, and other community events, which are crucial for the club's financial stability.

Southeast Pickleball plans to utilize one of the two ice sheds and is targeting a July 1 start date. Annual passes will be priced at $395 plus tax, with drop-in games available for $6 plus tax. This initiative seeks to attract new members and generate necessary cash flow.

While Curl Moncton has seen a partial recovery in its curling membership to approximately 380, it still trails pre-pandemic numbers. The growing popularity of pickleball presents a significant opportunity for revenue generation and community engagement.

The feasibility study commissioned by the City of Moncton last year estimated 6,400 pickleball players in Greater Moncton, suggesting strong demand for additional facilities. Curl Moncton hopes that by offering pickleball, more people will be drawn to the building, potentially trying both sports.

The club is also adapting its curling programs to appeal to a broader audience, focusing more on drop-in play and flexible schedules, a trend observed among returning members.