Two new multi-use pickleball courts are being considered for Twilight Street Park in Kenmore and Westaway Park in Moggill, with local residents invited to provide feedback to help shape the project.
Plans to Enhance Community Spaces
The proposed courts aim to serve as versatile spaces for pickleball and other sports, like basketball and netball, promoting outdoor activities for a broad age range. At Twilight Street Park, the court would feature a basketball hoop at one end and a netball hoop at the other, while Westaway Park would combine pickleball with a new basketball shooting hoop, replacing the current one.
Pickleball has grown in popularity in Brisbane and across Australia due to its benefits for physical health and social connection. The hope is that these new courts will bring more opportunities for local residents to engage in active and sociable activities. Feedback from the community is being sought to ensure the project meets residents’ needs, with submissions due by 25 October.
Mixed Community Responses
While many locals support the idea of new recreational facilities, there have been mixed reactions. A local tennis coach suggested that existing tennis courts could be adapted for pickleball, rather than building new ones, citing cost efficiency benefits and creating structured programs for players of all ages.
Concerns have also been raised about potential issues with noise, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour. A resident shared their experiences living near a public basketball court, pointing to problems like loud music, bullying, and general disruption for park users. These concerns highlight the need to ensure the courts are thoughtfully designed to minimise disturbance while offering value to the community.
Some residents have also requested that the basketball hoop at Westaway Park be adjusted to the correct height, particularly for older players and those involved in state-level competitions. The proposed plan includes making this adjustment as part of the project.
How to Provide Feedback
Community feedback is a key part of shaping the final design of these courts. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns to ensure the facilities meet local needs. One important detail is that lighting will not be included in the project to avoid disturbances, addressing some residents’ concerns about light pollution.
Those wishing to share their feedback can do so by emailing pullenvale.ward@brisbane.qld.gov.au. The deadline for feedback is Friday, 25 October, after which the next steps in the project will be determined based on the input received. The community’s involvement will help shape the future of these parks in Kenmore and Moggill.
Published 11-Oct-2024