Pickleball—you’ve heard of it, you’ve seen it, maybe you’ve even played it. This fast-growing sport is taking Australia—and the world—by storm, and for good reason. It’s fun, social, and perfect for players of all ages. And now, we’re thrilled to announce that Keylin, the developer behind Oria Spring Hill — our latest off-the-plan apartment building — is proposing a private pickleball court right on-site!
A quick serve of history
Pickleball was born in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, an island just off the coast of Seattle in the USA. After a round of golf, Joel Pritchard, a former Washington congressman, and his friends and family decided to create a new game to play. Using old, broken paddles and the family’s backyard badminton court, they improvised a game that blended elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis—and pickleball was born!
Joel’s wife, Joan, named the game. As a former rower, she was familiar with the term “pickle boat,” which refers to a boat made up of leftover rowers who didn’t make the cut for other teams. Since this game was a playful mix of different sports, she dubbed it “pickleball.”
What started as a backyard game quickly grew in popularity across the United States, especially in retirement communities, where its easy-to-learn rules and low-impact nature made it a hit.
How to play pickleball
Pickleball is played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court, with a perforated ball, a low net and paddles slightly larger than those used in table tennis. Players serve underhand, diagonally across the court, and rallies continue until one side commits a fault — like hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and the first team to reach 11 points, (leading by at least two), wins! It’s quick, easy to pick up, and guaranteed to get you hooked!
Pickleball today
Fast forward to today, and pickleball has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon with dedicated courts, national tournaments, and even pro leagues. Here in Australia, the Pickleball Australia Association launched in 2020 and already has more than 200 clubs and 9,000 members, although the estimate of people playing casually nationwide is estimated to be more than 25,000.
Pickleball is as much a social event as it is a sport. You’ll find weekend competitions, social clubs, and yes — pickleball fashion and “best dressed” players are a thing! Think chic court dresses, much like tennis outfits for the ladies, post-game G&Ts, and a great community vibe that’s hard to beat.
Why pickleball is perfect for everyone
The average age of a pickleball player might be 58, but this sport isn’t just for one generation. It’s a game that brings people together — grandparents, parents, and kids all enjoy playing side by side. The court is smaller than a tennis court, the rules are simple, and the game is all about fun and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking for a low-impact workout, a way to socialise with your new neighbours, or a hobby to share with the family, pickleball ticks all the boxes.
A game-changer for your lifestyle
Imagine finishing your day and heading downstairs to your very own pickleball court at Oria Spring Hill. No need to book or travel—just grab your paddle and play! Our new development isn’t just about beautiful apartments and premium finishes; it’s about creating a community where staying active and connected is part of everyday life.
Major League Pickleball hits Australia
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has expanded from the United States to Australia and it’s backed by some of our very own sporting heroes such as former top golfer Adam Scott of Gold Coast Glory, cricketer Steve Smith of Sydney Smash, and NBA Olympic hero, Patty Mills, of the Brisbane Breakers. The most recent Australian Pickleball Championships took place on the Gold Coast in 2024 with a huge turnout, surpassing attendance at the Blacktown event in 2023.
Will pickleball become an Olympic sport?
By all accounts, the sport’s international governing body, the Global Pickleball Federation is currently pursuing Olympic recognition. And with the backing of local and international Olympians such as Lebron James, Naomi Osaka and Chris Evert, it feels like it’s only a matter of time.
So, with the Brisbane Olympics on the horizon, who knows? Maybe we’ll see pickleball make its debut on the big stage in 2032. And if you decide to buy an apartment at Oria Spring Hill, you never know, you might even find yourself practising next to a future Olympian!
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project—and get ready to live where the action is.
🌸 At Oria, happiness blooms within 🌸
Oria is now over 60% sold, well under construction, and on track for completion in early 2027.
Interested in finding out more? Pop into our display at 290 Water Street, Fortitude Valley, on Saturdays between 9 am and 10.30 am and Sundays between 9 am and 11 am. Take your time, have a look around, and have a chat with the team.
Alternatively, if you can’t make the drop-in times, our display is open by private appointment. If you’d like to explore the proposed rooftop spaces and view the latest plans, we’d love to show you through.
2, 3 and 4 bedroom Art Deco-inspired residences are now selling at Oria Spring Hill from $1,550,000*.
Please get in touch with John Fishbourne on 0417 793 083, email jfishbourne@ashwinproperty.com.au or Natalie Meredith on 0490 679 413, email nmeredith@ashwinproperty.com.au.
Alternatively, head to https://oriaspringhill.com.au to find out more.
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
About Keylin
Keylin’s vision is to create progressive, high-quality developments that profoundly enhance lives and the surrounding areas. Driven by a desire to shape a sustainable future where elevated design and human values work together to transform the experience of ‘community’ for future generations.
Since 2015, Keylin has successfully delivered more than 15 residential and community projects, which more than 600 families now call home. Working in partnership with leading architects, urban planners and builders, their collaborative approach is founded on the core pillars of performance, honesty, and integrity, ensuring they deliver exceptional outcomes every time.