Squash players want new courts

Rockingham Squash Club member Frank MacIntyre is tired of having to travel to Mandurah just to have a hit on a court.

It has been almost six months since the Rockingham Squash Courts were demolished, forcing Mr MacIntyre and any other committed players to travel to either Mandurah or Hilton just to play the game they love.

“Squash has always been easy and affordable but at the moment driving to Mandurah just to play is becoming a time-consuming and expensive option,” he said.

“Half the time you drive all the way to Mandurah but the courts are so busy you can’t even get a game.

“It is very disappointing that a City of Rockingham’s size cannot provide facilities for this family friendly and low-maintenance sport.”

Mr MacIntyre and a number of other squash enthusiasts in Rockingham are trying to seek support from the community to re-establish courts in the area.

“With the help of WA Squash we have contacted all of the local schools to identify if they would consider including squash in their sports programs and we are seeking any private businesses or building owners who might have space for a facility.

“Squash is a year-round sport with great health benefits and the old facilities were well used by the community.”

Mr MacIntyre is hoping anyone who might be interested in joining the discussion will contact the City of Rockingham to voice their support.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the old squash courts were not owned by the City of Rockingham and their closure was the result of a private development planning process.

“The City has no plans for the development of squash courts in any future community or recreation facilities,” he said.

A medical centre is currently under construction at the location where the squash courts once stood.