Forget tennis or beach cricket – pickleball is the hottest sport on the menu right now and the country’s fastest-growing activity, attracting players from 9-90.

Pete Campbell, president of the Sunshine Coast Pickleball Club, has been paddling the sport’s growth since 2019 – building it from a 20-player hobby in Caloundra to a powerhouse club with over 800 members – now the fifth largest in Australia.

“I got into pickleball in early 2019 when it was almost unheard of,” Mr Campbell said.

“We always promote pickleball to everyone, hence, we say 9 – 90 years young are able to play.

“We have a continuously growing number of people in the younger category so the future of its growth will be assured.”

And the sport is about to relish its debut in Aura.

The 7.5ha Baringa Sports Complex will now include four versatile courts that can accommodate both pickleball and hot shot games – catering to this expanding community of enthusiasts​.

The sports precinct will also feature two full-sized AFL grounds and eight tennis courts and civil works on the precinct are already in play.

Stockland Aura Project Director, Josh Sondergeld said the precinct would cater to a wide range of sports and recreational activities and add another active open space for the Aura community to enjoy.

“We are delighted to have this sports precinct underway, which will provide our residents with an impressive state-of-the-art facility catering to a wide range of sports and recreational activities,” Mr Sondergeld said.

“Our latest annual Liveability Survey shows residents at Aura value being close to local parks and green spaces, so we look forward to officially opening Baringa Sports Complex later this year.”

The Baringa Sports Complex, estimated to cost around $8 million, will be located on Farmers Crescent, which is currently under construction in the Aura Business Park in Baringa.