Melbourne Pickleball Club Faces Closure: A Melbourne pickleball club is in danger of closing if it cannot secure a new place to play. Southside Pickleball Inc., formed just two months ago, already has nearly 50 members. The club has been using courts in Albert Park, but that venue will soon stop offering pickleball.
Search for a New Venue
Peter Taylor, secretary of Southside Pickleball Inc., has contacted the City of Melbourne many times to ask for help but has not been successful.
“We’re struggling. We went to the council, they reviewed it, and they’re saying that they have nothing.”(Peter Taylor)
Peter Taylor explained that if the club could find a site, it would raise money to build new courts. He also suggested using public tennis or basketball courts during off-peak hours. He pointed to The Hub in Docklands as a good spot.
Challenges for Community Clubs
Private courts exist in Docklands and South Melbourne, like The Jar in South Melbourne, but renting space there is expensive. Peter Taylor said high costs and limited time slots make it hard for community clubs to operate in commercial spaces.
The City of Melbourne has fewer public pickleball courts than other cities. For example, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide have already built more public facilities.
Efforts to Adapt Facilities
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the city is trying to make the best use of recreation areas.
“We’ve got limited recreation space across our city – so we’re focused on making every square metre work harder by supporting courts that can host multiple sports,” (Nick Reece).
Most tennis and basketball courts in Melbourne are managed by the YMCA or other groups, so the Lord Mayor encouraged them to allow pickleball too.
Existing and New Options
The City of Melbourne currently offers pickleball at Carlton Baths and the North Melbourne Recreation Centre. More courts will open when the Kensington Community and Aquatic Recreation Centre launches in September.
Dylan Ventura-Ho, head of operations at the National Pickleball League and co-founder of The Jar, said pickleball welcomes everyone.
Dylan Ventura-Ho said the South Melbourne venue offers a range of programs, from beginner sessions to “Pickleball over Prosecco” events on Fridays. Memberships start at $30 per month. Dylan Ventura-Ho added that more public courts would help the sport grow further.
A Sport for Everyone
Peter Taylor said pickleball changed his life after he was hurt in a cycling accident.
“I’ve had four operations, but I can play pickleball all day. Whether you’re five or 90, it doesn’t hurt you and it keeps you active.”(Peter Taylor)
Southside Pickleball Inc. hopes the city will soon support more public courts so the club can continue to thrive.
News in Brief: Melbourne Pickleball Club Faces Closure
Melbourne’s Southside Pickleball Inc. needs a new home as its current venue in Albert Park will stop offering pickleball. The club has asked the City of Melbourne for help but has yet to secure space. Leaders warn it could shut down if no solution is found.
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