Tweed Coast cornerstone the Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club has taken a step toward securing its future with the opening of two courts for hosting the increasingly popular sport of pickleball.
Formed in 1963, the family-friendly club is open every day from 11am, offering a range of facilities, including pristine bowling greens, multiple bars, two outdoor decks, a beer garden and children’s play area, courtesy bus, bottleshop and numerous dining options – with one of the area’s “best kept secrets” in Cheeky Chopsticks.
Bowling clubs around Australia are making moves to bolster operations, and former general manager Steve Penfold sat with the Board to think ‘outside the box’ about what the club could provide to further invigorate patronage.
There were already some new pickleball courts nearby, finding strong membership catering for one of the fastest growing sports in the region.
Pickleball involves a perforated plastic ball and paddle, played as singles or doubles on a court that is smaller than a tennis court, at roughly six metres by 13 metres.
New general manager Chris Watson, previously GM at Bangalow bowls, brings over 30 years’ experience in hotel and clubs and praises his predecessor and the Board for making it happen.
“It was really Steve’s project,” he explains. “I get to enjoy a ready-made club, with seven thousand members. I’m excited to put my touch on it now and drive what’s here.”
The courts mark the last big step in a major redevelopment of the whole club over the past three to four years. Millions have been spent across the whole venue, rejuvenating all internals, with a refreshed bar, TAB and dining spaces, and an upgraded stand-alone function centre.
The club officially launched the new courts in June and has already seen strong interest, with many people wanting to take up the sport and players coming from surrounding Kingscliff, Pottsville and Tweed.
Pickleball has become the “hot topic on everyone’s lips”, and while the lawn bowls community remains at the forefront, some existing members have already taken up the sport and a group has already formed within the club.
Guests of CBB&S can play by creating an account and booking through the club’s website. There are 2-hour beginners’ coaching sessions on Tuesdays.
Watson hints there are more strategic plans in the works, likely to soon include implementing a bistro downstairs, live entertainment, and a greater focus on functions.
The new courts also give the club the option of hosting tournaments, and incorporating pickleball into group social events and packages.
As the CBB&S looks to celebrate its 62nd birthday this weekend, with a party at ‘Caba Carnival’, the pickleball courts represent another avenue for relevance.
“It’s certainly about diversifying and a bit of lateral thinking … finding another point of attack, another offering to invigorate the club and bring in new people,” concludes Watson.
