Ohio Church Becomes Pickleball Facility: A former church in Vandalia, Ohio, is being transformed into an indoor pickleball facility, Dayton Metro Pickleball. The site, owned by Kim DeLong, is undergoing renovations to include three pickleball courts, a snack stand, and locker rooms by April 2025. Plans will expand the space into a premier pickleball destination.
“Our plans with the site are to have an indoor pickleball facility, Dayton Metro Pickleball. The existing gym is currently under construction and will house three pickleball courts, a snack stand, and locker rooms. We anticipate construction being completed in April 2025 for the first phase of the project.” – (Kim DeLong)
Revitalizing Vacant Spaces
The project takes advantage of the church’s existing gym and infrastructure, which already includes locker rooms and showers. This allows for a cost-effective conversion, rather than building from scratch. Additionally, the site’s large parking lot will accommodate visitors during peak hours.
Phase two of the project will add 10 more indoor courts, while phase three includes plans for outdoor, lighted courts.
A Growing Trend in Pickleball
Transforming vacant spaces, such as old churches and shopping centers, into pickleball facilities is becoming increasingly popular. In Florida alone, 41 churches are currently listed for sale. These spaces offer existing amenities like gyms and parking, making them ideal for repurposing.
Experts believe this approach could help address the national pickleball court shortage. Additionally, indoor facilities reduce noise complaints, a common issue with outdoor courts.
Future Possibilities
With features like a commercial kitchen, the Dayton Metro Pickleball project could offer more than just courts. Similar to successful models like Chicken N Pickle, the facility might include a restaurant or other recreational spaces.
If this facility succeeds, it could inspire similar projects nationwide. Vacant buildings, such as old Kmarts or Sears stores, could find new life as pickleball complexes. This creative reuse of spaces could spark a movement in communities across the country.
News in Brief: Ohio Church Becomes Pickleball Facility
A former church in Vandalia, Ohio, is being converted into an indoor pickleball facility, with the first phase expected to be completed by April 2025. The project highlights a growing trend of transforming vacant spaces into pickleball venues, offering solutions to court shortages while revitalizing unused properties.
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