Description

In May 2024, local community member Katrina Sweetman introduced a successful pickleball pop-up at the Te Aroha Domain courts, supported by a Community-Led Initiatives Grant from Matamata Piako District Council. The pop-up was so popular that Katrina took pickleball indoors to Silver Fern Farms Event Centre over winter. As warmer weather approached, demand surged for outdoor play, but the reliance on chalk for court lines proved weather-dependent and time-consuming. A permanent solution was needed.

In December, just in time for Christmas, the Community Development & Partnerships team organised the painting of permanent lines on the Domain court. The team facilitated this process by collaborating with internal staff and Heritage NZ for necessary approvals to get the work done. We consulted widely with other Domain users and local groups to ensure there was broad support for the new development to this heritage site.

Looking ahead, Katrina continues to run free weekly pickleball sessions at the Domain courts during the warmer months and is planning a Business House competition. For session times or more information about indoor pickleball, visit the Te Aroha Pickleball Facebook page, or contact Katrina at [email protected].

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