Pickleball@Carey: How a Classic PJ Neighbourhood Is Breathing New Life Into Its Community Spaces

Local
5 Jun 2026 • 8:30 AM MYT
VoiceOver
VoiceOver

VoiceOver is an award winning writer with over 20 years under his belt.

Image from: Pickleball@Carey: How a Classic PJ Neighbourhood Is Breathing New Life Into Its Community Spaces
Jalan Carey Community with ADUN Bukit Gasing, Rajiv Rishyakaran Photo Credit: Raymond Peter

In the heart of Petaling Jaya lies Jalan Carey — a neighbourhood many long‑time PJ folks speak of with a kind of fondness usually reserved for childhood memories. It’s the sort of place where neighbours still greet each other by name, festive seasons mean open gates and shared meals, and the “old PJ” spirit hasn’t just survived — it’s thriving.

Now, this historic enclave is adding a fresh chapter to its story with the launch of Pickleball@Carey, a community‑driven initiative that blends nostalgia, active living, and modern recreation.

A New Sport on Familiar Ground

On 30 May 2026, the Jalan Carey Rukun Tetangga (RT) Committee officially introduced pickleball activities to the neighbourhood — right on the same grounds where generations once played football, basketball, and sepak takraw.

The idea wasn’t simply to introduce a trendy sport. It was about revitalising a shared space and making it accessible to everyone, especially seniors and families who often find private pickleball courts too expensive.

“Jalan Carey has always been a neighbourhood where people look out for one another,” said Raymond Peter, Vice‑Chairman of the Jalan Carey RT Committee. “These courts are more than just a place to play — they’re a reminder of who we are. We wanted something that honours our past while giving our younger generation a space to build new memories.”

Pickleball, known for being beginner‑friendly and suitable for all ages, became the perfect fit.

A Showcase of Community‑Led Urban Renewal

Section 1A Petaling Jaya Councillor Tan Wei Kiat praised the initiative as a model for how residents can take the lead in shaping their own neighbourhoods.

“This neighbourhood has always been known for its unity and spirit of volunteerism,” he said. “Adding pickleball to this existing court shows how residents can smartly expand the variety of shared spaces.”

Jalan Carey’s track record speaks for itself — from community patrols to festive decorations and Ambang Merdeka celebrations, the neighbourhood has long been a symbol of grassroots leadership and pride.

Where Heritage Meets Today’s Energy

Residents say the new courts feel like a natural extension of Jalan Carey’s identity. In the evenings, you’ll now find retirees learning the basics, parents rallying with their kids, and neighbours cheering each other on — a scene that blends the echoes of the past with the vibrancy of today.

Despite evolving with the times, Jalan Carey continues to hold fast to the values that have defined it for decades: unity, respect, and the simple joy of being good neighbours.

Pickleball@Carey isn’t just a sports initiative. It’s a reminder that when a community comes together with heart and purpose, even a small court can spark big connections.


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