Council unveils refurbished pickleball courts in Broadstairs

Four refurbished pickleball courts have been opened to the public in Broadstairs.

The new courts have been delivered in partnership between the Thanet Community Safety Partnership, Thanet District Council’s Open Spaces team, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit and local Pickleball group, the Baypoint Pickleball Club.

As part of the refurbishment, Thanet District Council’s Open Spaces team cleared and painted the courts, updated line markings and installed permanent nets.

Located at the town’s Memorial Recreation Ground, the four refurbished, free-to-use courts are available on a first come, first served basis and players are required to bring their own racquets and balls.

Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Pickleball is an ideal activity for players of all ages and fitness levels.

“Delivering a free resource like this is just one way that we are supporting the wellbeing of local people.

“We hope that by providing updated and well maintained sporting facilities, more residents and visitors will be encouraged to use the park, reducing instances of antisocial behaviour.”

Sergeant Sheena Maclean-Bell, of Thanet’s Child Centred Policing Team, said: “We’re pleased to see this public space refurbished and revitalised for local children and residents.

“High-quality public spaces deter anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, but more importantly we hope to arrange events using the courts to give young people in the area an activity to concentrate on and keep them away from potential crime.”