The Erie Canal Pickleball Center will open this Thursday at its new location in the former Great Northern Mall in Clay. Bill Cleary owns the facility, which will feature nine pickleball courts, a bar and restaurant, a pro shop, and a mural honoring the Erie Canal.
Pickleball Center Brings Excitement to Clay
After Sky Zone moved out of DeWitt last summer, the space underwent major renovations to transform it into a pickleball facility. Cleary explained that while play will begin this Thursday, the bar and restaurant are expected to open in a few weeks. Delays, including perfecting the playing surface, pushed the opening back by several months.
The facility’s standout feature is a seven-foot mural celebrating the historic Erie Canal. The center aims to create a hub for pickleball players while offering a comfortable space to relax and watch the action.
Rapid Growth of Pickleball in the Area
Pickleball has gained immense popularity nationwide, and Clay is no exception. According to CNY Pickleball, only 500 people played the sport in the area three years ago, but that number has surged to 5,000.
Cleary hopes the Erie Canal Pickleball Center will meet the growing demand for courts and provide players with an exciting new venue to enjoy the sport.
Impact on the Community
The Erie Canal Pickleball Center is expected to bring more activity and attention to the Clay area. It will serve as a place for players of all skill levels to gather, play, and build a stronger pickleball community. With the sport’s increasing popularity, the facility could become a local hotspot for recreation and socializing.
News in Brief: Erie Canal Pickleball Center
The Erie Canal Pickleball Center opens Thursday in Clay at the former Great Northern Mall. Featuring nine courts, a bar, a restaurant, and an Erie Canal mural, it caters to the sport’s growing popularity. Owner Bill Cleary aims to create a vibrant hub for players, enhancing recreation and community engagement in the area.
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