An enthusiastic group of picklers from the Hydeaway Bay and Cape Gloucester areas are thrilled to have the addition of two dedicated pickleball courts (and a third marked on a multi purpose court) at their Gloucester Sport and Recreation Association facility in Hydeaway Bay.
With the generosity of residents, grants from the Whitsundays Council and the Association’s enthusiastic backing, it has taken over 4 years of planning and building to provide the only purpose built pickleball courts outside of S.E. Qld.
Pickleball has only been in Australia since 2016. A combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton, pickleball has the attraction of being easy to learn, very social, inclusive and attractive to all age levels. Originally from the US, Pickleball is now being played in all the Australian States and currently there are 15,000 Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) members. In Queensland alone, there are over 30 affiliated clubs.
The Whitsundays is certainly not behind the times with pickleball now being played in Cannonvale, Bowen, Proserpine, Hydeaway Bay and two locations in Mackay. Session times are available almost every day of the week, both daytime & evening. Bookings are available through the OpenSport App.
The latest survey conducted by the Australian Sports Commission has revealed a significant surge in pickleball participation across Australia. (The AusPlay survey, a comprehensive national population tracking initiative monitors participation in over 600 sports & activities). The latest data indicates that a remarkable 90,00 Australians aged 15 years and older have engaged in pickleball in the past year. That’s an impressive number for pickleball considering its short history in Australia. This figure far exceeds previous estimates, highlighting the rapid and widespread growth of pickleball among people of all ages, with accessibility, it’s social nature and health benefits all contributing to this figure.
The Gloucester Sport & Recreation Association together with the Gloucester Pickleball Club would like to welcome you to the official opening of their pickleball courts on Saturday afternoon 30th November from 2:30 to 5pm. You will enjoy a pickleball demonstration game, a “Come & Try” session, open play as well as a fundraising raffle and refreshments in the clubhouse.
For enquiries, contact Ian M:0448407715 or Lorraine M:0417 773 904.