Middletown Pickleball Facility: A $15 million pickleball facility is being built in Middletown, Connecticut, and it is expected to be the largest in the state. The project, led by Robert J. Keefrider Jr. and developer Lennie Lebenhaut, is set to open in the summer of 2026 and offer 24/7 access.
A Major Boost for Connecticut Pickleball
Pickleball Park in Middletown is tapping into the fast-growing sport by building a new state-of-the-art center. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
The new Middletown facility will feature more than 20 courts, a restaurant, and other amenities to support both casual and serious players.
“We are going to have the biggest facility in Connecticut with the most courts,” said Robert J. Keefrider Jr., the president and general manager of Pickleball Park.
Round-the-Clock Access for Members
Keefrider shared that members will be able to access parts of the building anytime, day or night, year-round.
“We’ll have four members with access to parts of the facility,” Keefrider said. “They’ll be able to come in at any time. You can reserve a court, scan your phone and walk right in.”
Keefrider added that the project was made possible by the efforts of developer Lennie Lebenhaut.
“Lenny had been working at this for about two years developing this, and really needed someone to be able to drive this over the finish line and get it up and running, and that’s what I do,” Keefrider said.
Players Excited by the Growing Trend
Many pickleball players are looking forward to the new space. At Wolcott Park in West Hartford, several local players said they are drawn to the sport for its fun and social aspects.
“I play it for both physical and mental health,” said Mike Pittman. “It is a very social sport.”
Arthur Annecharico also said it keeps him motivated to stay active. “Pickleball… I just want to keep playing,” Annecharico said.
When told about the new Middletown center, players said they were eager to visit.
“Both young and old can play,” said Mike Pittman. “And that’s why you see so many people out here playing.”
Looking Ahead
Pickleball Park is expected to open in summer 2026. Membership pricing has not been announced yet, but Keefrider said there will be a variety of options.
With this new facility, Middletown could become a central spot for pickleball in Connecticut. The large number of courts and year-round access may help grow the sport even more in the region.
News in Brief: Middletown Pickleball Facility
A $15 million pickleball facility is under construction in Middletown, Connecticut. Scheduled to open in summer 2026, it will include over 20 courts and offer 24/7 access for members. Local players are excited about the growing sport, and developers say this will be the biggest facility of its kind in the state.
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