Gold Coast Pickleball Association
Club History
A New Beginning
The Birth of Gold Coast Pickleball
The story of Gold Coast Pickleball began in November 2017 when Margy Park, a local enthusiast, discovered the sport online and started searching for opportunities to play. Through her online research, she connected with Lorraine Christiansen, a pioneer in the Brisbane pickleball scene and at the same time Ellis had also tracked down Lorraine. Together, they organised the first-ever pickleball game on the Gold Coast at the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre.
From a Small Group to a Growing Community
A small group of enthusiastic players joined Margy and Lorraine for the inaugural game. Roxanne who had discovered the game in the US. Armed with paddles, balls, and a shared passion for the sport. The experience was so positive that they quickly organised another game which attracting even more players.
In early 2018, pickleball gained further exposure when it was featured on a local morning TV show. This led to a surge of interest, with new players contacting Margy to join the growing community which included Jose. A regular twice-weekly schedule was established, and the club began to attract a diverse group of players with varying skill levels.
Establishing the GCPA
The Founding of a Pickleball Legacy
As the club continued to grow, it became clear that a more formal structure was needed. A dedicated founding committee, consisting of Margy (President), Jose (Treasurer), Roxanne (Secretary), and Ellis (Ordinary Member), worked tirelessly to establish the Gold Coast Pickleball Association (GCPA) as a not-for-profit organisation. Their efforts culminated in the incorporation of the GCPA in March 2018.
