Wickham Recreation Precinct – Multipurpose Courts Shade

The City of Karratha, with support from Rio Tinto, is upgrading the Wickham Recreation Precinct through the construction of a new shade structure over the existing multipurpose courts.

This project will deliver a safer, cooler and more comfortable space for basketball, netball, tennis and community events, supporting local sport and recreation across Wickham, Point Samson and Roebourne.

In addition to the shade structure, the project includes new sports lighting, upgraded sporting equipment, storage facilities, a chilled water fountain, essential services (power, water and CCTV), and court surface repairs following construction. These improvements will create a high-quality, accessible facility suitable for social, recreational and competitive use.

The shaded courts will enhance year-round usability by reducing heat and sun exposure, supporting daytime and summer use while improving the overall experience for players and spectators.

The project follows recommendations from a 2022 feasibility study, which identified improved shade and comfort as a priority for local users.

Construction and access

Construction is underway and expected to be completed in January 2027.

During construction (April to January 2027):

• The multipurpose courts will be closed to the public for approximately eight months.
• A portion of the carpark will be temporarily fenced for materials and equipment.
• Temporary closures and restricted access will affect the tennis and indoor cricket courts and Splash Pad during steel erection and roof installation works. Current closure periods are:
  • Tennis and indoor cricket courts
    • Closed until 14 August 2026
    • Evening bookings only (after 6pm) from 15 August to 8 September 2026 
    • Closed on 14 September 2026
    • Evening bookings only (after 6pm) from 15 September to 3 October 2026
  • Splash Pad
    • Closed from 12 to 28 August 2026
    • Closed on 14 September 2026
    • Closed from 5 to 30 October 2026

All other facilities within the precinct will remain open and accessible.

To minimise disruption, local user groups will have temporary access to the Roebourne covered courts, with additional upgrades and equipment provided to support continued use.

Key benefits

• A modern, shaded facility supporting social, recreational and competitive sport 
• Improved comfort, safety and accessibility for players and spectators 
• Increased capacity and storage for user groups and facility operations 
• Enhanced lighting for safe evening use 
• Continued investment in sport and recreation infrastructure for Wickham and surrounding communities 

The City will share regular updates as the project progresses. This project is proudly supported by Rio Tinto.