Following a tragic incident, the Windsor Pickleball Club is advocating for enhanced safety measures at the Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) center. After a club member suffered a fatal accident during a game, the club is calling for the installation of protective padding along the walls of the gym to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident, as confirmed by Club President Patrick Brown, involved an 80-year-old Windsor man who collided with a wall while attempting a shot on June 28, 2024. The impact rendered him unconscious and caused a brain hemorrhage. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, the man passed away days after the accident. Brown shared this distressing news during a recent Windsor City Council meeting, emphasizing the need for new safety features to accommodate the growing popularity of pickleball in facilities not originally designed for the sport.
Beyond wall padding, the Windsor Pickleball Club is also exploring other ways to enhance player safety. They have proposed purchasing temporary flooring and new nets to create a safer and more accessible environment for players. The club has expressed willingness to cover the costs for these upgrades, provided the city funds the padding installation. These upgrades, they believe, will address the unique safety challenges that come with playing pickleball in multi-purpose gym spaces.
City officials responded by stating they are currently awaiting cost estimates for the proposed changes. If the expenses exceed budget limits, additional funding sources might be necessary. Brown urged that these precautions are essential to avoid future accidents and ensure the safety of community members who participate in the sport. He noted that the fatal incident happened in close proximity to where spectators were seated, making it a distressing experience for those present.
Pamela Knowler, a convenor for the Windsor Pickleball Club, echoed Brown’s concerns, expressing deep sorrow over the accident. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during play, especially for a recreational activity. “Play it safe,” she often reminds players, highlighting the recreational nature of pickleball and the risks of going after difficult shots. The club hopes that Windsor City Council will prioritize these safety measures in the upcoming 2025 budget discussions.