ST. JOHN’S — Residents of Gaultois, a former fishing community located along Newfoundland’s remote southern coastline, are making efforts to attract adventurous pickleball tourists to their newly constructed wooden court. The court is conveniently situated just a few steps away from the ferry terminal, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Gaultois, once a thriving fishing hub with a population exceeding 500 in the 1980s, is now home to about 70 residents, with a significant portion being senior citizens. The community is noteworthy for being accessible solely by ferry or helicopter, as there are no roads leading to it. In 2023, homeowners in Gaultois chose to remain in their town despite the province’s history of relocating dwindling communities in light of the collapse of the cod fishery. Instead of accepting cash payments up to $270,000 to move, they opted to stay and invest in the local infrastructure.
Martine Blue, a resident who purchased her home in Gaultois in 2020, expressed a sense of purpose in building the pickleball court to shift the narrative from discussing the town’s decline to envisioning its future. Blue, who initially fell in love with the area while sailing around Newfoundland for a television project, sees the court as a step towards revitalizing community spirit.
The construction of the court was a community effort, with most of the work completed in a single week during August 2025. The site of the court was previously used as a fish flake — a platform for drying cod. Blue emphasized the importance of creating a facility that caters to the older demographics in the community, which is why a pickleball court, equipped with a small basketball area at one end, was chosen as the ideal option.
To facilitate the construction, Blue collaborated with the town council to secure funding and arranged for materials to be transported by ferry. Given the lack of roads, the community’s backhoe was used to transport the supplies from the ferry, while local volunteers hand-carried them to the construction site.
The completed court features long wooden boards, differing from the typical concrete surfaces found in outdoor pickleball courts. Initially uncertain about the wooden surface, Blue was pleased to find its performance “fantastic.” She plans to acquire specialized balls that work well with the wooden surface, allowing for faster gameplay. The court is equipped with four paddles and several balls available for public use, although Blue humorously acknowledged that the equipment may not meet the standards of professional pickleball players.
“I’m sure some people have really nice professional paddles,” Blue remarked. “If they want to bring their pro gear and give it a whirl and volley, I’d love for them to come.”
Additionally, Blue’s efforts to build the pickleball court underline a collective commitment to enhancing Gaultois as a destination and creating a joyful experience for visitors. As the community continues to adapt following the decline of its fishing industry, the introduction of recreational activities such as pickleball serves as a symbol of resilience and a forward-thinking approach to community building.
