Padel Sports at Foxfield Oval

We are seeking your feedback on the proposed establishment of Padel Sports at Foxfield Oval.

Background

Council has been approached by multiple organisations to repurpose the existing two tennis courts at Foxfield Oval into Padel courts.

Padel is a game that combines the core elements of tennis, the use of walls from squash and the rapid pace of badminton. It is generally played by 4 players, with scoring the same as for tennis; the serve is underhand. Padel courts are smaller than a standard tennis court (dimensions are 20m x 10m). Each court is enclosed on four sides; walls are 3m high and are often made of glass with mesh fencing up to 4 m.

Padel is one of the world's fastest-growing sports with approximately 50,000 amateur players. It is rapidly growing in Australia, despite there being less than 50 courts nationwide (as at 2024) and no public facilities currently available in South Australia.

To find out more about Padel visit https://www.padelaus.com.au/

Foxfield Oval contains two public tennis courts as well as a range of facilities including an oval for football and cricket, a playground, community hall, public toilets and a scout hall. The land is Category 1 Community Land, meaning its primary usage is for sporting facilities, oval and active recreational reserves. Land in this category can be leased, hired or open for public use.

At its meeting on 6 May 2025, Council resolved to explore the possibility of creating Padel Courts by repurposing the existing tennis courts at Foxfield Oval. Council requested a report on potential business models and other implications.

At its meeting on 16 September 2025, Council requested that Staff undertake consultation on the establishment of Padel Sport at Foxfield Oval through the repurposing of existing tennis courts by a future lessee at their expense (no expense to Council or ratepayers).

What’s being proposed?

A Padel Sport facility at this potential location would consist of three new padel courts, complemented by a small kiosk or shop within the existing tennis court area and retain the current perimeter tennis fence.

Potential images for the proposed Padel courts at this location are shown below.

Potential Benefits of introducing Padel:

• Community able to participate in a new activity that contributes to a healthy lifestyle and social connectivity
• No additional costs for Council (capital or ongoing maintenance costs) to establish Padel at this location
• The potential lessee has committed to partnering with local schools and community groups, including for children to try Padel at a free open day/clinic
• Discounted pricing for Senior Card holders when attending the Padel facility to support them to connect and be active.

Potential Impacts of introducing Padel:

• Repurposing the existing tennis courts will result in the loss of a free-to-use community facility. The nearest alternative free tennis courts are located at Ryan Avenue, Athelstone (approx. 2km away).
• If Padel increases in popularity, there may be an issue with parking overflow if other facilities are in use. While off-street parking is available along Maryvale Road, some overspill parking may occur beyond the vicinity of the facility.
• As the leased space would also operate at night, there could potentially be an increase in noise in the surrounding area, noting the oval is currently able to be hired out until 10:00pm.

How you can get involved

Council is undertaking consultation prior to changing use of the site and leasing it for 5 years.

We invite your feedback on the proposal - tell us if you support the establishment of Padel Sport at this site, and your ideas to improve the project by:

• Completing the online survey below
• Printing and completing a hard copy survey and returning it to Council
• Sending us a submission (Subject: ‘Padel Sport consultation)
  • Email: mail@campbelltown.sa.gov.au
  • Letter: Campbelltown City Council, 172 Montacute Rd Rostrevor 5073

You must include your name and address to participate.

Enquiries: Sevanah (Community Engagement Officer) on 8366 9366 or mail@campbelltown.sa.gov.au

Consultation closes: 4pm, Friday 23 January 2026.