Warringah Bowling Club Members Divided Over Proposal to Introduce Pickleball Courts
Warringah Bowling Club in Mosman is considering a major change that could bring in a new wave of members and revenue. The club’s secretary, Liarne Peek, announced plans to retain 60 per cent of the current bowling greens and introduce pickleball courts to attract a different demographic.
Peek highlighted the financial struggles the club has faced and expressed hope that the addition of pickleball would increase foot traffic and overall turnover by 37 per cent. The reduced cost of maintaining the bowling greens would also help keep the club afloat.
While some members, like Terry Gilchrist and Julie Overall, are opposed to the proposal due to concerns about noise and aesthetic changes, others like Jilly Dyson and local pickleball player Charlie Sutton are in favor of the idea. Sutton mentioned the lack of available courts in the area and the inclusive nature of pickleball.
The club’s 1197 members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal on April 14, with a simple majority needed for it to pass. Despite some skepticism from members like Andrew Woodforth, Peek remains confident that the vote will be in favor of the new pickleball courts.
The potential transformation of Warringah Bowling Club reflects a broader trend of traditional clubs adapting to attract a wider range of members and stay financially viable. Stay tuned for the outcome of the vote and the club’s potential development application with the local council.
