Construction of the region’s first purpose-built pickleball courts commenced on Monday 30 October. The pickleball courts are part of the upgrade to the surface at the East Queanbeyan tennis court facilities.

‘What is pickleball?’ I hear you ask. Pickleball is the world’s fastest growing sport. It combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. It is played with a paddle and a plastic wiffle ball. About 15,000 Australians play the sport according to the Pickleball Australia Association.

Pickleball is for everyone and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, talent and abilities. Across Australia, communities are embracing the benefits of the new sport beyond the court.

“Pickleball and the sense of community achieved through pickleball, provides connection, social, mental and physical well being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate both in Australia and globally.” Pickleball Australia said on its website.

The Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club is excited to see construction start on the facilities, and looks forward to building a community of pickleballers across the region.

“The East Queanbeyan courts have been in use since 1936 but have been significantly impacted by flooding and poor weather conditions over the years. Upgrading the surface will enable the club to introduce pickleball, host more social and competition tennis games, increase coaching and skills development opportunities, and boost the existing community access.” said Wendy Grant, President of the Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming those in the community who are interested in trying pickleball, as well as local pickleball enthusiasts. We will be offering a range of options to get the community involved from early 2024.”

The Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club received a grant from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund to upgrade the East Queanbeyan courts. The works are expected to be completed in early 2024.

Follow the construction progress: https://www.facebook.com/QueanbeyanParkTennisClub 

Learn more about Queanbeyan Pickleball: https://www.facebook.com/QueanbeyanPickleball

Contact the Queanbeyan Park Tennis Club for membership enquiries: tennisqueanbeyan@gmail.com

Article originally published by The Regional Independent.