Central Coast picks up pickleball

Central Coast residents are being invited to dive into the world of Pickleball with free equipment hire, courtesy of a new initiative aimed at getting people active through one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.  

A collaborative effort between Central Coast Council, the NSW Office of Sport, and community stakeholders has paved the way for Pickleball’s expansion across the region. The initiative includes the introduction of new court markings, partnerships with local clubs, come-and-try days, and free equipment rental – including from Council libraries.

Pickleball, known for its appeal to all age groups, has gained significant popularity on the Central Coast, offering an exciting option for sports and active recreation enthusiasts.

Council Director Community and Recreational Services, Melanie Smith said residents can easily access Pickleball kits, complete with all necessary equipment, at several convenient locations, with the same ease as borrowing a library book.

“This is a terrific initiative and will also help engage our community with our local libraries – as they are the majority of venues the Pickleball equipment can be borrowed from,” said Ms Smith.

“In addition, new Pickleball court markings have been implemented at prominent venues including Kariong Tennis Centre, Pat Morley Oval, and Blue Haven Netball Courts, enhancing the accessibility of the sport across the community.”

Along with the new venues, existing locations such as Gosford Tennis and Pickleball Club, Bateau Bay PCYC, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy Tennis Club, and Sun Valley Regional Play Space continue to serve as popular Pickleball destinations.

“To borrow the Pickleball kit from the participating Council libraries – you simply become a member of the library, which is also free to do, and borrow the equipment.  The kits include everything needed for a Pickleball game, including the net, paddles, balls and a bag to transport the gear in,” said Ms Smith.

Participating Council libraries are:
•    Kincumber library
•    Kariong library
•    Bateau Bay library 

Equipment can also be free hired from Old Mates Kitchen – Green Point Shopping Centre. The Office of Sport has funded the Pickleball equipment.

“Three local clubs on the Central Coast, Gosford Pickleball Club, PCYC Bateau Bay, and Central Coast Pickleball Club (Peninsula), also offer social and competitive Pickleball opportunities, including Come and Try Days to encourage newcomers to explore the sport,” Ms Smith said.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said he is pleased to see libraries on the Coast support this initiative that encourages active, healthy lifestyles. 

“Council offers many free services to the Central Coast community, and where we can involve different free services, such as we have in this instance is a great outcome,” he said.

To become a member of a Council library and to free hire Pickleball equipment from a participating library, visit: https://libraries.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/.