Christchurch Court Space in a Pickle

Sumner could get eight new courts to solve Christchurch's court space pickle.

Pickleball player numbers are surging, but courts are limited. The sport, with similar rules to table tennis and tennis, is great for all ages. There are currently 200 members in the Canterbury Pickleball Club, and 1,500 community page Facebook followers. Competition is held at several locations, multiple days a week.

Sumner local Gabby Brown converted from playing tennis in 2022, becoming a member of the Canterbury Pickleball Club and committee.

"It was way more physical than I expected.

"When I showed up for the first session, I thought it was an old person's game.

"I didn't really go with the proper equipment - I didn't even take a water bottle."

*Dawn Ballagh playing pickleball* *Imogen Brophy/NZBS*

With no dedicated pickleball courts in Christchurch, mainstream sports are prioritised and finding court space is a struggle she says.

"We really just play where we can."

There are some dedicated pickleball courts out at Rawhiti, but they're on existing tennis courts and have mobile nets, which she says is impractical for most players.

She says the only hub for pickleball is in Papanui.

"We've got a temporary outdoor space at Harewood Road, which belongs to St Paul's Church, and the land there that we're using is on the market.

"They've already sold the onsite club rooms and they're being relocated at the end of this month.

"So, it's very much temporary. But it's just been so good to have a spot like that."

She thinks it is time for the council to create facilities totally dedicated to pickleball.

Pickleball Game — *Pickleball game* *Gabby Brown/ GB Photography*

Gabby and her husband Ian proposed plans for eight pickleball courts at Te Papa Kura Redcliffs Park to the Waihoro Community Board.

They believe the proposed area is ideal because it is sheltered, has an old classroom nearby that is available for lease and toilets close too, while using other courts in Sumner is not practical.

*Te Papa Kura Redcliffs Park grass space* *Imogen Brophy/NZBS*

*Te Papa Kura Redcliffs Park road view* *Imogen Brophy/NZBS*

"The scope for ever converting courts to pickleball in this particular area is almost nothing.

"The number of tennis courts is quite limited."

Sumner tennis courts, where Gabby and Ian were members for many years, is one of the busiest clubs in Christchurch but it only has four courts.

"They're actually so busy that they've closed their membership and created a waiting list.

"And Redcliffs have only got three courts and is in a similar situation."

Heathcote Ward Representative Dr Tim Lindley says previous Te Kura Park plans, and the suitability of the land, need to be considered.

"The general idea of pickleball courts on this side of town is a good one."

The proposal has been passed on to council staff for consideration.

Gabby says even if her proposed location is not accepted, a pickleball-specific court is needed in Christchurch, and there are plenty of spaces for them - one tennis court is the same size as four pickleball courts.

"If we could get anywhere central with dedicated pickleball courts that would just be an amazing gain for the sport."