Florida’s Pickleball Expansion Hits a Snag: An indoor pickleball palace that had been announced near The Villages has gone out of business, along with sister facilities at retirement communities across Florida. The Pickleball Club, which was under construction on a 4.7-acre site off County Road 466 near the Hampton Inn, will not open its doors as planned.
Ambitious Plans for a New Facility
The Pickleball Club was set to feature a 40,000-square-foot, climate-controlled space with 16 indoor pickleball courts. The facility aimed to offer a one-time entry fee of $1,000, followed by a $100-per-month membership fee. In April, company officials held a press event to showcase the facility, which was claimed to be halfway finished, with an expected opening in late 2024. However, they did not address the issue of accessibility for residents of The Villages, as the facility was not golf cart accessible.
Closure of Multiple Locations
The company had ambitious plans to build 15 indoor pickleball clubs across Florida and had even purchased property for a club in Ocala. Each facility was estimated to cost between $10 million to $12 million. Now, however, the company has announced it is closing its doors. Pickleball Club locations that were operating in Lakewood Ranch and Port St. Lucie are now shut down. Reports indicate that the Port St. Lucie location closed suddenly, giving members less than 24 hours’ notice of the closure. Many members expressed their disappointment over the abrupt ending.
Official Statement on the Closure
“It is with great sadness that we must announce that we have closed the company. We did not have sufficient financial resources to continue operations. We have started the process of liquidating the company assets, including our two club locations in Lakewood Ranch and Port St. Lucie.”( company announced its closure via a LinkedIn post)
This statement underscores the challenges faced by the organization, particularly in light of its rapid expansion plans.
Community Reaction and Future Implications
The sudden closure of the Pickleball Club has left many in the community disappointed, especially those who were excited about the prospect of a new indoor facility. The impact of this closure may extend beyond just the affected members, as it raises questions about the viability of similar projects in the area. The failure of these ambitious plans may make potential investors hesitant, affecting future developments in the growing sport of pickleball.
News in Brief: Florida’s Pickleball Expansion Hits a Snag
The Pickleball Club, an indoor facility planned near The Villages, has abruptly closed, along with sister locations in Florida. Originally set to feature 16 indoor courts, the club faced financial challenges, leading to its closure before opening. Many members expressed disappointment over the sudden shutdown, raising concerns about the future viability of similar pickleball projects in the area.
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