September 2026 Newsletter

Spring is here — and there is plenty happening at Rivercity Pickleball!

We’re heading into a big few weeks for the club as we prepare to launch our new Home of Pickleball at Bassett Street, roll out ClubSpark, expand our outdoor programme and get ready for a busy summer of pickleball.

Here’s everything you need to know.

HOME OF PICKLEBALL — BASSETT STREET

The courts are marked, the windbreakers are going up, and we’re nearly ready to go!

Our facility agreement commences on Friday 2 October, when our new outdoor nets will also be rolled out.

Club Social & Welcome

Friday 2 October | 4:30pm–7:30pm
Bassett Street Tennis Courts

All Rivercity Pickleball members are invited to come along for some fun play, have a look around the facilities and meet members of the squash and tennis clubs upstairs in the lounge.

Bring your partner along too — this is as much about connecting as it is about pickleball!

RCP Official Open Day

Saturday 10 October | 10:00am–2:00pm

Our official opening will include “Give Pickleball a Go” sessions, activities, facility tours and plenty of opportunities to showcase our new outdoor programme.

We need your help! If you can volunteer a few hours on the day, please let Neihana know.

CLUBSPARK & COURT BOOKINGS

Our ClubSpark membership database is currently being loaded and we’re getting everything ready for launch.

Existing members should keep an eye on their email for information about accessing ClubSpark and updating their password. New members will also join the club through ClubSpark.

Booking & Pricing

All pickleball court sessions and playing time will need to be booked and paid for through ClubSpark, including our Jubilee Stadium sessions.

Outdoor session fee: $6 per person, per session
Excludes Business House, tournaments or sessions where another fee is advertised.

Jubilee Stadium pricing remains unchanged.

Because Bassett Street is a shared facility, the booking system applies to everyone, including Tennis Whanganui members. This ensures fair access to the courts and helps both clubs manage the facility effectively.

We’re Nearly There!

The Committee is working hard to finalise the new playing calendar.

Our initial programme will be a little smaller while we build our capacity and volunteer base, with more opportunities to be added over time.

And don’t worry — Jubilee Stadium remains our preferred indoor venue. We love the space and the community vibe there!

JUBILEE STADIUM — SPRING CLOSURES

Due to other major events being held at Jubilee Stadium, pickleball will take a temporary break or move outdoors on the following dates:

• 28 September–4 October: No play — Boxing Tournament

• 15–19 October: Sessions move outdoors — Whanganui A&P Show

• 21–25 October: No Jubilee sessions — NZ Roller Hockey Championships

A big shout-out to our member Jemma Bates, who is competing — go hard, Jemma! 🙌

TUESDAY NIGHT PICKLEBALL

Tuesdays | 6:30pm–8:30pm

We have opened two unrestricted courts on the Playtomic schedule:

DUPR Circle: For players with a DUPR of 2.7 and above.

Regular Games: Open regular play, with a maximum of 10 players.

COACHING & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Play – Connect – Belong

Thank you to everyone who completed our recent coaching and player development survey.

Your feedback is helping us design programmes that give back to our members and provide clearer development opportunities for players at different stages of their pickleball journey.

Watch this space — more coaching information is coming soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS

There is plenty happening over the next few weeks:

PAY2PLAY Fridays — 16 & 23 October
These sessions will be played outdoors at Bassett Street. Please register through ClubSpark.

DUPR Night — Thursday 8 October
Our next dedicated DUPR night. Please register through the Playtomic schedule.

Halloween Festival — Saturday 31 October | 3:00pm–7:00pm
Jubilee Stadium
A family-friendly afternoon with nets up, games and activities. Entry: $5 per person. Spread the word!

NZ Masters Games — 9–11 February 2027
Registrations officially open 1 October 2026.

WELCOME TO THE COMMITTEE

We’re thrilled to welcome Jordan Tauta to the Rivercity Pickleball Committee.

Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and we’re excited to have him on board as the club heads into its next stage of growth.

SPRING COURT CHECKLIST

Warmer weather means outdoor pickleball is back, so a few quick reminders:

1. Check your grip — if it’s smooth, discoloured or slipping, it might be time for a fresh overgrip.

2. Stay hydrated — dust off that water bottle and start thinking about electrolytes as temperatures rise.

3. Daylight Saving begins Sunday 27 September — hello longer evenings and more pickleball! 

STAY CONNECTED WITH RCP

We’ll continue sending our regular club newsletters, but ClubSpark and our digital channels will increasingly become the quickest way to find session information, bookings and club updates.

Email: rivercitypickleballnz@gmail.com
Facebook: Rivercity Pickleball – Whanganui
Website: Rivercity Pickleball ClubSpark

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the latest news, calendar changes and urgent updates.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Rivercity Pickleball gratefully acknowledges the organisations whose support helps us provide more opportunities for our community to Play – Connect – Belong.

Thank you for supporting Rivercity Pickleball and the growth of our game in Whanganui.