Lakeland Indoor Pickleball Facility: A Tampa company is looking to open its fifth Florida pickleball facility in Lakeland, transforming a warehouse on Gateway Drive into an indoor court. The Ruthvens Inc. has submitted a land-use application, which the Lakeland Planning and Zoning Board will review at its meeting on Tuesday.
Plans for Air-Conditioned Courts
The proposed facility would span 18,200 square feet, providing air-conditioned courts for players looking to escape Florida’s summer heat. The project is being led by Jacob Schner of The Ruthvens, who emphasized the need for the right location.
“We have been working with them for months trying to find a space that’s a good fit for them.” – (Jacob Schner)
Parking and Facility Details
Schner highlighted the importance of having enough parking and a functional layout.
“We are very discerning on these types of uses to make sure tenant adjacencies and space needs for the building/park make sense.” – (Jacob Schner)
The facility would have around 30 parking spaces, with many located behind the warehouse, away from truck traffic.
Growing Indoor Pickleball Scene in Lakeland
If approved, this would be Lakeland’s first private indoor pickleball facility. Currently, the Kelly Recreational Center has some indoor pickleball space, but it is shared with basketball courts. Schner called the Gateway Drive warehouse the “preferred location” for the project due to its amenities and accessibility.
“This is our preferred location for them given all of these factors.” – (Jacob Schner)
What’s Next?
The Planning and Zoning Board will vote on the project at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the City Commission Chambers. If approved, the facility would provide a dedicated indoor space for pickleball players, enhancing Lakeland’s growing pickleball scene.
News in Brief: Lakeland Indoor Pickleball Facility
A Tampa company is proposing Lakeland’s first private indoor pickleball facility inside a warehouse on Gateway Drive. The 18,200-square-foot project, led by The Ruthvens Inc., would offer air-conditioned courts. The Planning and Zoning Board will vote on the proposal Tuesday morning at City Hall.
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