Key Points:
- Council seeks a club to manage 12 new pickleball courts at Wellington Point’s sportsfield.
- Focus on community engagement: Clubs must support inclusive play and grow participation.
- Integration with existing facilities: The netball club remains the main licensee, while pickleball management opens to a new operator.
Council Moves to Activate Pickleball Courts
Redland City Council is now inviting community clubs to express interest in managing and operating a set of newly lined pickleball courts at EGW Wood Sportsfield in Wellington Point, as the sport continues to take off in popularity across the region. Council leaders say the move reflects growing enthusiasm for pickleball on the Redlands Coast and aims to ensure the courts are well‑used and properly supported.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty emphasised that the council is looking for a club or group with a strong commitment to inclusivity and a plan to help grow pickleball’s presence locally. The successful applicant will be responsible for organising play, supporting community engagement and facilitating access to the 12 new courts.
Growing Demand for Sports Amenities
Pickleball, a fast‑paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping‑pong, has surged in participation across Australia, with many communities seeing increases in player numbers and demand for court space. Locally, the new Wellington Point facilities are expected to become a hub for both casual players and organised groups once an operator is appointed.
Council’s plans aim to ensure that the courts complement existing sporting infrastructure at the sportsfield, which already hosts netball courts and amenities managed by the Allstars Netball Club. Under the current arrangement, the netball club will remain the primary licensee for the broader site, while responsibility for the pickleball area will be open to a new club partner.
What Clubs Need to Know
Interested organisations are being encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate how they will activate and manage the pickleball space, including strategies for inclusivity, participant engagement and long‑term growth of the sport in the Redlands area. Council says it is particularly keen to hear from groups that can offer structured programming and support players of all skill levels.
This open call for expressions of interest reflects a broader effort by Redland City Council to foster community sport and recreation, helping ensure that new facilities created with public support are actively used and benefit residents.
