Dive into Pickleball: Free Equipment Hire and New Courts on the Central Coast!
Central Coast residents are being given a fantastic opportunity to embrace one of the world’s fastest-growing sports—pickleball! A new initiative, spearheaded by the Office of Sport, Central Coast Council, and community partners, is set to make this engaging sport more accessible than ever.
What’s New?
The initiative brings a range of exciting updates to the Central Coast, including:
- New Court Markings: Fresh pickleball court
markings have been installed at key venues like Kariong Tennis
Centre, Pat Morley Oval, and Blue Haven Netball Courts, making
it easier for everyone to enjoy the game.
- Free Equipment Hire: Residents can now borrow
pickleball kits from several convenient locations, including
participating council libraries. The kits come with everything
needed for a game—nets, paddles, balls, and a carrying bag.
- Local Partnerships: Collaborations with local
clubs and organisations, such as the Gosford Pickleball Club,
PCYC Bateau Bay, and Central Coast Pickleball Club (Peninsula),
offer opportunities for social and competitive play, including
come-and-try days.
How to Get Involved
To get started with pickleball, simply become a member of one of the participating council libraries—Kincumber, Kariong, or Bateau Bay. Membership is free, and once you're signed up, you can borrow a pickleball kit just like you would a book.
For those looking for an alternative location to hire equipment,
Old Mates Kitchen in Green Point Shopping Centre also offers free
rentals.
A Sport for All
Pickleball is a fun, social, and friendly game that appeals to all age groups. Its simple rules make it easy for beginners to learn, while the fast-paced nature of the game offers a challenge for more experienced players. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned player, pickleball provides a great way to stay active and engaged.
Why Pickleball on the Central Coast?
The Central Coast, encompassing vibrant towns and villages like Gosford, Wyong, Terrigal, Woy Woy, and The Entrance, is the third-largest urban area in New South Wales and the ninth-largest in Australia. This diverse and dynamic region is the perfect backdrop for the expansion of pickleball, offering residents a new and exciting option for sports and active recreation.
Council Director of Community and Recreational Services, Melanie Smith, highlighted the initiative's benefits: "This is a terrific way to get our community moving and engaged. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with our local libraries, as they are the primary venues for borrowing pickleball equipment."
For more details on becoming a library member and borrowing equipment, visit the Central Coast Libraries website.
So grab a paddle and join in the pickleball fun! Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, the Central Coast’s new pickleball initiative is your gateway to an exciting new sport.
