(From right) Giannelli and Mohamed Hamka reviewing plans for the public-private partnership racquet sports courts in Kelana Jaya. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
EFFORTS are underway to make emerging the racquet sports of pickleball and padel more affordable and accessible to the public in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
De Palma Social Club Sdn Bhd, under a public-private partnership with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), is constructing nine pickleball and three padel courts on a 0.53ha site along Jalan Stadium SS7/15 in Kelana Jaya.
Club founder and operator Sean Giannelli said it planned to introduce a tiered pricing structure to open up the games to a broader range of players.
“Operations and pricing are still at the discussion stage.
“Ideas being discussed include promotions for varsity and school students, and even offering affordable rates for MBPJ workers or those from lower-income backgrounds,” he said.
MBPJ Zone 22 councillor Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah said about 20% of the project had been completed, with full opening targeted for February 2026.
“We want to increase court availability to support the growing interest and to encourage more people to take part in these racquet sports,” he said during a site visit.
Pickleball is a cross between tennis, table-tennis and badminton, while padel is fast-paced and is often described as a mix between tennis and squash.
