Pickleball is Here!

What started as a new community activity just last year has quickly become one of the Tasman Peninsula’s favourite ways to stay active and connected.

Thanks to a grant secured by local community champion Mary Downie, pickleball arrived on the Peninsula in 2025 — and it’s been growing ever since. Held weekly in the school auditorium, sessions now regularly attract 20–30 people of all ages keen to get moving, have fun and catch up with others.

If you haven’t heard of pickleball before, it’s easy to learn and even easier to enjoy. A mix between tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is currently the fastest-growing sport in both Australia and around the world. And once you play a few rounds, it’s easy to see why.

Beyond fitness, pickleball is helping build social connection across the Tasman community. Played in doubles on a smaller court, the game naturally encourages chatting, teamwork and plenty of laughs between points. Research shows activities that combine movement and social interaction can help reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and support healthier lifestyles.

For many locals, weekly pickleball has become about more than just sport — it’s a chance to stay active, social and connected in a welcoming community environment.

Strange name, but what a fabulous way to stay fit!