Pickleball Startup Takes Legal Action: A pickleball startup, Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, LLC, is suing local competitor Pickletown, LLC, accusing them of disrupting a city development project intended for a new racquet sports facility on 4th Street in Santa Monica. The lawsuit seeks damages for delays, increased costs, and reputational harm.
Dispute Over Santa Monica Racquet Sports Facility
The lawsuit arises from efforts to develop a new recreational facility on a vacant lot at 1318 4th Street, which used to house a city parking structure. After the parking structure was demolished, city officials explored temporary uses for the land while a housing project was being planned.
In November 2024, Pickle Padel Paw, a group led by Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, secured the contract to develop the site, which had previously been contested by CityPickle.
The original proposal for the site included six pickleball courts, two padel courts, a dog park, a beer garden, food stands, and bathrooms.
However, the permit application now reflects a change, with eight paddle sports courts and no mention of a dog park or food amenities. The project, originally slated to open in February 2025, has been delayed, and some partners appear to have withdrawn from the initiative.
Allegations of Interference and Breach of Contract
The lawsuit claims that Pickletown’s owners, Mary Pat Faley and Ilene Feldman, agreed to invest $200,000 each in the project but backed out after the contract was awarded. Despite withdrawing, the defendants allegedly continued to interfere with the project by contacting city officials and demanding ownership stakes.
“The Pickletown defendants engaged in wrongful and egregious misconduct by misrepresenting their ability and intent to financially contribute to the project. They falsely assured Plaintiffs that they would invest capital once the project was awarded, only to back out entirely after the award, refusing to make any financial contributions.” – (lawsuit)
McCaffrey, a co-owner of the project, claims that Pickletown’s owners misrepresented their intent to contribute to the project financially and tried to control the pricing of services.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs are asking the court to clarify the ownership of the project, seeking a ruling that Pickletown’s owners have no claim or stake in the facility. The plaintiffs also seek restitution for damages resulting from the alleged interference.
“Plaintiffs seek a declaration from this Court confirming that none of the Pickletown Defendants, Mary Pat Faley, Ilene Feldman, or Pickletown, LLC, have any ownership interest, equity stake, or claim to any part of Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, LLC or the 4th St. Project. Defendants’ attempts to claim ownership and demand money or equity, despite their complete lack of involvement or financial contribution, are without merit and must be dismissed.” – (lawsuit)
Legal and Financial Impact
The dispute has caused delays and complications for the project, which was expected to bring a new, multi-use sports facility to downtown Santa Monica.
While the project is on hold, the legal battle continues, with a Case Management Conference scheduled for May 2, 2025, in Santa Monica Courthouse.
News in Brief: Pickleball Startup Takes Legal Action
Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, LLC is suing Pickletown, LLC, for allegedly disrupting their contract with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. to develop a racquet sports facility. The lawsuit claims damages for delays and interference, seeking a court ruling on ownership and compensation. A hearing is scheduled for May 2025.
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