Craneway Pavilion Pickleball Club: The pickleball club at Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California, has closed indefinitely. The East Bay Pickleball Association announced it is preparing legal action over a conflict with its landlord. The reason behind the dispute has not been made public.
The facility’s closure was shared in a post on the East Bay Pickleball Association’s Facebook group. The club’s future remains unclear while legal steps are underway.
Land and Lease Involvement
The Craneway Pavilion is owned by the City of Richmond and leased to Orton Development. However, city officials say they are not part of the legal issue.
Lina Velasco, Richmond’s community development manager, told the San Jose Mercury News the city is not involved in the conflict.
Orton Development is required by the California State Lands Commission to keep public access open to the site, which is considered historic.
Past Concerns Over the Facility
When the pickleball courts opened in early 2024, some community members opposed the change. They wanted the Craneway Pavilion to stay a space for public events.
The venue had long hosted celebrations like the Third of July and the Rosie Rally. Residents expressed concern that the new pickleball setup might limit such gatherings.
Rosie Rally Moves Nearby
While the Craneway Pavilion stays closed, the Rosie Rally is still scheduled. The event will happen this Saturday in the parking lot of the Rosie the Riveter Visitor’s Center, near the closed venue.
What’s Next
The closure raises questions about how the Craneway Pavilion will be used in the future. The legal battle could impact public access and the balance between community events and private use of the space.
News in Brief: Craneway Pavilion Pickleball Club
The Craneway Pavilion pickleball club in Richmond has closed indefinitely due to a legal issue between the East Bay Pickleball Association and landlord Orton Development. The city says it is not involved. The popular Rosie Rally will now be held in a nearby parking lot while the dispute continues.