Ohio’s Largest Pickleball Playground: Smash Park, an “eatertainment” venue known for combining food and fun activities like pickleball and axe throwing, will open its first Ohio location on August 26. The new venue is located at 495 Polaris Parkway in Westerville’s Westar Place business district.
About Smash Park’s New Ohio Location
The Iowa-based company operates several locations, including Des Moines, Iowa; Roseville, Minnesota; and La Vista, Nebraska. Smash Park’s Westerville site offers over 32,000 square feet of indoor space. It features pickleball courts, a restaurant, axe throwing, duckpin bowling, party darts, an arcade, shuffleboard, cornhole, private karaoke, and a 21-and-older bar called the Paddle Club.
The venue also includes 15,000 square feet of outdoor space with more pickleball courts, cornhole, yard games, a rooftop bar, and a dog-friendly patio with a dedicated dog area.
Activities and Community Engagement
Smash Park plans to host leagues for pickleball, cornhole, and darts. The venue will support nighttime fun, including glow pickleball. Weekly events like trivia nights, themed tournaments, and Brunch Bingo will also be held.
Economic and Community Impact
Located on about 3.5 acres in the Westar business district, Smash Park sits near major employers such as DHL Supply Chain North America, Vertiv, Central Ohio Primary Care, and OrthopedicOne.
Rachel Ray, Westerville’s economic development director, said the area offers amenities that encourage employees to return to the office and enjoy activities with coworkers. She noted that many companies want locations where workers want to come in, making Westar attractive.
Company Statement
Monty Lockyear, CEO of Smash Park, said when announcing the location in March 2024,
“We carefully consider each new location, and the Columbus metro is a diverse and active community, perfectly suited for the booming sport of pickleball. The community has been so welcoming,
and we can’t wait to bring our unique mix of food, drinks, entertainment and recreation to Westerville.”
News in Brief: Ohio’s Largest Pickleball Playground
Smash Park will open its first Ohio location in Westerville on August 26. The venue offers indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, axe throwing, bowling, and dining. It aims to be a social and recreational hub, supporting leagues and events for the local community.
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