New Pickleball Center in Frederick: For Alex McKenna and Kaylin Corsiatto, the pandemic brought more than just lockdowns and uncertainty; it ignited a passion for pickleball that has now evolved into a business venture. This fall, the couple plans to open a seven-court indoor pickleball facility in Frederick, Maryland. Their frequent matches with Corsiatto’s parents, Linda and Jeff, during the pandemic’s height were the spark that led to this new endeavor.
Setting Up Shop
The Dill Dinkers pickleball facility, part of a chain, will be housed in an 18,400-square-foot building at 3950 Dartmouth Court in the Stanford Trading Center IV business park. The couple signed their lease with Ruppert Properties, a Frederick-based real estate investment company, back in April. Initially planned for a summer launch, the opening has been delayed, with a soft opening now expected in October and a grand opening in November or December. The facility will feature seven dedicated courts, each fenced off to allow simultaneous games, and a dedicated event space for corporate events, birthday parties, and other celebrations. A pro shop will offer pickleball equipment, clothing, and accessories.
The Perfect Fit
Choosing the right location was crucial.One of the major attractions was the building’s 24-foot-high ceilings, significantly higher than the typical 18 feet found in other facilities. “When you’re playing and someone lobs the ballupwards towards the ceiling, [your ball is] not going to be running into it or affecting the play or having to replay a point, The building does not have columns inside it, which opens the space inside and makes the game more enjoyable.” Corsiatto explained. Additionally, the lack of interior columns provides an open space, enhancing the playing experience.
Filling a Gap
Frederick County’s existing indoor facilities, such as the William R. Talley Recreation Center and Trinity Recreation Center, offer space for pickleball, but they are often adapted tennis courts, leading to competition for court time.“We’re really looking forward to providing pickleball players a home and place to play without having to worry about being mindful of tennis players that want court time,” McKenna said. “We want everybody to get court time, but it’s just hard in this environment because there’s a lot of players for both sports.”
Expanding Horizons
Dill Dinkers, a Columbia-based sports company, already has locations in Columbia, Finksburg, Rockville, North Bethesda, and Manassas, Virginia, with plans to expand into Connecticut, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and additional Maryland locations in White Marsh and Cockeysville. As regional developers, Corsiatto, McKenna, and Corsiatto’s parents are tasked with developing ten pickleball locations in Western Maryland over the next decade. Their territory spans from southern Pennsylvania to Maryland, covering areas from Hagerstown to Westminster. Although they plan to franchise these locations, they won’t own each one.
A Growing Trend
Pickleball’s popularity is skyrocketing. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s 2024 Topline Participation Report, the sport saw a 52% growth in participation from 2022 to 2023. Corsiatto sees their facility as a “third place” for people to gather outside of work and home. The sport’s accessibility, with its moderate intensity and lighter equipment compared to tennis, makes it appealing to a broad audience. “On the same court, with four people, you could have an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old,” she said. “It can be an intergenerational game. It can be a game for somebody who hasn’t been very active in a long time.”
News in Brief: New Pickleball Center in Frederick
A new seven-court indoor pickleball facility is set to open this fall in Frederick, Maryland. Alex McKenna and Kaylin Corsiatto, inspired by their pandemic pickleball matches, are spearheading the project at 3950 Dartmouth Court in the Stanford Trading Center IV. Initially slated for a summer opening, the facility now aims for a soft launch in October and a grand opening in November or December. The 18,400-square-foot venue will feature dedicated courts, event space, and a pro shop. Dill Dinkers, the parent company, plans further expansions across Maryland and beyond. The new center aims to provide a dedicated space for pickleball enthusiasts without competing with tennis players for court time.
