Pickleball 'first' in Greenbank sets international standard
Australia’s first pickleball courts purpose-built to international standards have been constructed in the City of Logan.
The 17 courts have been built by developer Mirvac in Greenbank’s Everleigh estate.
The facilities include a show court and 2 tennis courts that can be converted into 2 volleyball courts or a further 8 pickleball courts if needed.
Logan City Council contributed $1.1 million through its Sports Infrastructure Program and Division 11 Local Infrastructure Program towards lighting, the court surface upgrade, additional fencing and the new line marking.
Pickleball was introduced to Australia in 2015 with the first dedicated courts created in Queensland.
Division 11 Councillor Natalie Willcocks says pickleball is one of Australia’s fastest growing racquet sports with around 155,000 players nationwide.
‘There has been considerable acceleration of the sport over recent years, and we are thrilled to be supporting this growth with these latest courts,’ Cr Willcocks says.
The new courts are significant because they are not re-purposed courts but have been purpose built to international standards.’
‘We look forward to supporting further growth in the sport with this new local facility and hosting many tournaments.’
Pickleball Australia Executive Officer Brendan Lee says this is an exciting project for pickleball that brings the sport right into the suburbs and to an international standard for the future.
‘Pickleball is a sport that is accessible to all ages with last year’s Australian titles contested by players ranging in age from 8 to 92 years old,’ he says.
‘It is played with a simple paddle and a wiffle ball and is easy to learn.’
Anyone wanting to get involved in the sport can find out more at pickleballaus.org
Pickleball fast facts
• Created in 1965 in Washington, USA.
• Named after one of the creators’ family dogs, Pickle, who often chased after stray balls.
• Played by 2 or 4 players with a paddle and a wiffle ball.
• Is a combination of ping pong, badminton and tennis.
• Uses a lower net on a compact court.
• Is quick and easy to learn.
• Can be played indoors and outdoors.
PHOTO AT TOP: Cr Natalie Willcocks is ready to play on Greenbank’s new pickleball courts.
