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Niagara Parks Serves Up New Tennis and Pickleball Courts at Queenston Heights

July 7, 2025

Niagara Parks

  • Four resurfaced tennis courts and four new pickleball courts celebrated with a grand opening ceremony on July 7
  • Courts can be reserved and season passes are available online at niagaraparks.com/courts
  • The refreshed Queenston Courts Shop now serves as a hub for court activities, rentals and guest amenities
  • The upgrades are part of a $1.5 million investment in Queenston Heights Park

Queenston, ON – Niagara Parks marked the opening of four brand-new pickleball courts and four resurfaced tennis courts at Queenston Heights Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, July 7. This project replaced aging tennis courts that had reached the end of their lifespan and introduced pickleball courts to meet the growing popularity of the sport and increased demand for public play spaces. The initiative is part of a $1.5 million investment aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities and enriching the visitor experience at this historic site.

The project brought together members of the local tennis and pickleball communities in Niagara, including Rosemary Goodwin, Chair of the Southwest Regional Ontario Tennis Association; Harry Fauquier, former Canadian professional tennis player and 1996 inductee into the Canadian Tennis Hall of Fame; and John Hindle, former president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club. Their collaboration with Niagara Parks staff, along with contractor Burlington Paving, ensured the courts met the highest standards for both sports.

Tennis has had a presence in Queenston Heights Park for over a century, with generations enjoying matches on these very grounds. To meet the rising demand for pickleball across Niagara and beyond, the project also introduced dedicated pickleball courts—now among the region’s premier public play spaces. Later this summer, Niagara Parks will offer free clinics at its courts for those interested in trying tennis or pickleball. These sessions are designed to introduce participants of all ages to both sports, with instructors guiding players through the fundamentals and teaching essential skills.

The historic General Brock snack bar has been transformed into the Queenston Courts Shop, a central hub offering equipment rentals, player amenities and themed merchandise. Additional recent park upgrades include refurbished pavilions, metal stairs along trail paths and a redesigned washroom with six universal stalls, set to open mid-July.

Tennis season passes are available for $100 per person (ages 10+), with a drop-in rate of $10. Pickleball passes are $65 per person, or $5 for drop-in play. Children under 10 play free when accompanied by a paying adult. For more details visit niagaraparks.com/courts.

At the end of the 2025 season, Niagara Parks will conduct a comprehensive review of the operating plan to identify and implement any enhancements for 2026.

Queenston Heights is Rich in History and Natural Beauty

Situated atop the Niagara Escarpment in the north end of Niagara Parks, Queenston Heights Park has been a popular picnic and recreation area for generations. As early as 1895, visitors travelled by ferry across Lake Ontario from Toronto to enjoy the beautiful views and parkland.

Queenston Heights Park offers picturesque hiking trails, picnic areas, pavilions and expansive green space. The park is also home to the Landscape of Nations Memorial and marks the southernmost terminus of the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath. Visitors will also enjoy the carpet bedding displays framing both Brock and Laura Secord Monuments at the park’s entrance.

Hit the Courts and Stay for Sunday Brunch

After a game, enjoy Sunday Brunch at Queenston Heights Restaurant, where Chef Bill Greenan’s culinary creations are served alongside sweeping views of the Niagara River. Built in 1900, with the current limestone building and terrace added in 1939, the restaurant is a destination in itself. For brunch details visit niagaraparks.com/brunch.

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Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.