For years, tennis lovers in Rivière-du-Loup have dreamed of an indoor stadium to practice their favorite sport. What started as a vision has now evolved into a tangible initiative, with a dedicated group of enthusiasts taking concrete steps to bring this project to life.
Louis-Charles Gosselin, the technical director of the Rivière-du-Loup Tennis and Pickleball Club and head of the project’s working committee, confirms that the initiative is progressing steadily. While the process is purposeful, the team is laying the groundwork for funding and eventual construction. “We’re methodically setting the stage for success,” Gosselin explains.“We understand that a project of this magnitude demands time,resources,and meaningful investment,but we’re confident it will materialize in the near future.”
Recently, the committee finalized a detailed proposal outlining the project’s scope and objectives. This document was shared with club members to keep them informed about the latest developments.The plan includes constructing an indoor facility featuring three courts. Two of these courts will be reserved for tennis, while the third will serve as a multifunctional space adaptable for tennis or pickleball—a sport gaining traction across North America.
“A single tennis court can accommodate up to four pickleball courts,” gosselin notes. “This flexibility allows us to cater to both sports while optimizing the use of space.” The committee, composed of seven volunteers, aims to create a facility that meets the growing demand for both tennis and pickleball in the region.“Rimouski, as a notable example, has four courts for a larger population. We beleive three courts will be sufficient to meet our needs and ensure sustainability,” he adds.
Initially, the team considered covering existing outdoor courts to create an indoor space. However, this idea was dismissed to avoid disrupting summer activities. “We weighed the pros and cons and concluded that adding new facilities would be more beneficial then repurposing existing ones,” Gosselin explains. The proposed indoor stadium would also serve as a year-round venue, possibly hosting day camps and other community events during the summer months.
MEETING THE DEMAND FOR POPULAR SPORTS
The push for an indoor tennis and pickleball facility is not merely a luxury but a response to the region’s growing interest in these sports. Rivière-du-Loup already boasts a robust sports infrastructure, and the new stadium would complement existing outdoor courts while addressing the rising popularity of both tennis and pickleball.
The Tennis Club has seen a significant surge in membership, adding 150 new members over the past two years. With 430 active members of all ages, the club’s growth reflects the increasing appeal of pickleball and the influx of younger players. “Our membership numbers are comparable to other Quebec clubs that already have indoor facilities,” Gosselin points out. “This underscores the viability of our project and the strength of our organization.”
Additionally, the local secondary school has introduced a tennis concentration program, currently enrolling 12 students. While these young athletes are making impressive progress,they face challenges due to the lack of dedicated training facilities. “They’re forced to practice in gyms or on racquetball courts, which isn’t ideal,” says Gosselin, who also coaches the school program. “We often travel to Rimouski or Lévis for training, but this involves considerable time and expense for both athletes and staff.”
The absence of indoor courts also impacts the club’s participation in provincial leagues. “We’re the only team without a home facility to host winter matches,” Gosselin laments. “It’s a disadvantage we’re eager to overcome.”
COLLABORATION AND FUTURE STEPS
The committee acknowledges that the project is still in its early stages and is cautious about discussing specific financial details or potential locations.However,they emphasize the importance of proximity to educational institutions and other sports facilities. “We envision a site that integrates seamlessly with the community,” Gosselin explains.“The success of this project will depend on collaboration with multiple partners.”
Initial discussions with the City of Rivière-du-Loup and the local School Service Center have been encouraging. “We’ve received positive feedback and a genuine willingness to support our vision,” Gosselin shares. This encouragement has motivated the committee to continue their efforts, confident that their dream of an indoor tennis and pickleball stadium will soon become a reality.
Rivière-du-Loup Tennis and Pickleball Enthusiasts Rally for Indoor Stadium Project
For years, tennis and pickleball enthusiasts in Rivière-du-Loup have harbored a dream: an indoor stadium to practice their favorite sports year-round.What began as a vision is now taking shape, thanks to the relentless efforts of a dedicated group of local sports lovers. Spearheaded by Louis-Charles Gosselin,the technical director of the Rivière-du-Loup Tennis and Pickleball Club and head of the project’s working committee,the initiative is steadily progressing toward becoming a reality.
A Vision in Motion
Gosselin, who leads the project’s working committee, emphasizes the purposeful and methodical approach being taken to ensure the initiative’s success. “We’re setting the stage for success,” he explains. “A project of this magnitude requires time, resources, and significant investment, but we’re confident it will materialize in the near future.”
The committee has already taken significant steps forward, including the recent finalization of a detailed proposal outlining the project’s scope and objectives.This document,shared with club members,provides a clear roadmap for the construction of an indoor facility featuring three courts. Two of these courts will be dedicated to tennis, while the third will serve as a multifunctional space adaptable for either tennis or pickleball—a sport that has been rapidly gaining popularity across north America.
Optimizing Space and Meeting Demand
One of the key features of the proposed facility is its versatility. “A single tennis court can accommodate up to four pickleball courts,” Gosselin notes. “This allows us to cater to both sports while optimizing the use of space.” The committee, composed of seven passionate volunteers, aims to create a facility that meets the growing demand for both tennis and pickleball in the region.
Gosselin draws a comparison to Rimouski, a nearby city with a larger population that boasts four courts. “We believe three courts will be sufficient to meet our needs and ensure the sustainability of the facility,” he adds.This thoughtful approach reflects the committee’s commitment to balancing practicality with the community’s aspirations.
Overcoming Challenges
the journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. Initially, the team considered covering existing outdoor courts to create an indoor space. However,this idea was ultimately dismissed to avoid disrupting summer activities. “We realized that covering outdoor courts would limit their use during the warmer months, which is when they’re most in demand,” Gosselin explains.Instead, the committee opted for a standalone indoor facility, ensuring that both indoor and outdoor sports enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite activities year-round.
Looking Ahead
As the project moves forward, the committee remains focused on securing the necessary funding and support to bring the indoor stadium to life. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Rivière-du-Loup Tennis and Pickleball Club members, coupled with the strategic planning of the working committee, suggest that this long-held dream is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
For the sports community in Rivière-du-Loup, the indoor stadium represents more than just a place to play—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and perseverance. As Gosselin aptly puts it,“We’re not just building a facility; we’re building a legacy for future generations of tennis and pickleball players.”
stay tuned as this inspiring project continues to unfold, bringing the joy of year-round sports to Rivière-du-Loup.
