Fun environment for challenging or social competition
Pickleball is the perfect activity to fulfill the purposes outlined in the SSAC constitution. It provides both physical and mental stimulation in a fun environment. When one of our new players was asked if they were enjoying it, she replied “It’s more than just pickleball.” To her and countless others it provides not only physical benefits but also much needed socialization and the ability to make new friends that otherwise would not happen. Air conditioning and a joint cushioning sports floor make the Auditorium the most comfortable and safest place to play Pickleball on the Sunshine Coast. Although play sessions are organized by skill level ratings to ensure equitable competition during games there is always a welcoming and fun environment at all sessions.
Online Sign-in
We now control participation in specific playing sessions with an online sign-in system called SSACSign. SSACSign was developed by the volunteer work of SSAC member Viktor Kiss. We thank Viktor profusely for this and his tireless work on maintaining it. SSACSign allows ease of sign in for the players and the ability for us to limit the number of players in each session. This has been invaluable implementing COVID restrictions and coping with the large influx of new players to the Centre.
As a predominantly “After Hours” activity (after 3pm weekdays and on weekends) Pickleball provides revenue from use of the Auditorium at times that are of little appeal to other activities. Pickleball is run entirely on voluntary basis, with a minimal draw on SSAC resources. We have up to 6 voluntary coaches. SSAC Manager Eric Christiansen works with us to optimize our schedule, balancing Auditorium availability and revenue generation.
As we move forward out of the present COVID restrictions the question will not be: “can we produce enough revenue from the Auditorium time allotted?” but “can we provide enough time for all our members to play the amount of Pickleball they want in order to enhance their quality of life?”
