Riverhead’s New Pickleball Club: A state-of-the-art indoor pickleball club has officially opened in Riverhead, New York, transforming the former Kmart space at 605 Old Country Road into a multi-sport facility with dining and entertainment. Box Pickleball Container Bar & Kitchen, which debuted in December 2024, features nine pickleball courts, bocce, and cornhole, along with a restaurant and full bar.
The club gets its name from the large, refurbished shipping containers inside, which house the offices, pro shop, front desk, and dining area, according to owner Peter Bachmore.
Pickleball’s Rapid Growth and Community Appeal
“Pickleball began as a niche sunbelt sport,” said Scott Green, the club’s director of pickleball. “Last year 36.5 million people played pickleball.” The Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2023 report ranked pickleball as America’s fastest-growing sport for the third consecutive year.
Mr. Green, a certified instructor, has taught over 1,000 players in the past two years and emphasizes that pickleball is easy to pick up.
“If you have some basic eye-hand coordination and you can bend your knees, you can play.” – (Mr. Green)
The club offers:
- Private, semi-private, and group lessons.
- Adult clinics every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. ($25 per hour)
Membership and Court Access
Pickleball players of all levels can enjoy the facility through various options:
- Court reservations: $40 per hour for non-members
- Open play sessions: $30 per player
- Annual memberships: $120 (includes discounts and priority booking)
- Lifetime memberships also available
General Manager Mike Wier highlighted pickleball’s multi-generational appeal, calling it “mobility accessible” and welcoming players from beginners to professionals. He expects the club to enhance physical and mental health while building a strong social community.
A Restaurant Experience to Match the Game
The club’s restaurant and full bar, operated by chef Justin Tempelman, offers a menu featuring soups, salads, smash burgers, and Sunday brunch. “His specialty is comfort food with a twist,” Wier said. The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday and adds a dining experience for players and guests.
Youth Programs and Community Involvement
One of Green’s long-term goals is to introduce more kids to pickleball. The club is planning:
- Field trips for students from Riverhead and Southold.
- A summer camp program.
- Future high school pickleball teams.
The club is open Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has already launched leagues, fundraisers, and tournaments, with sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses.
News in Brief: Riverhead’s New Pickleball Club
Box Pickleball Container Bar & Kitchen has opened in Riverhead, New York, transforming an old Kmart into a top-tier indoor pickleball facility. The venue features nine pickleball courts, a restaurant and bar, and bocce and cornhole courts. The club offers lessons, leagues, and memberships, aiming to grow the local pickleball community.
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