Can a Church Become a Massive Pickleball Hotspot: The Vandalia City Council will deliberate on a proposal to transform a vacant church on Miller Lane into a commercial pickleball facility. This redevelopment plan, scheduled for consideration at the council’s regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 16, follows a 5:45 p.m. study session. The site in question is located at 6213 Miller Lane, west of I-75 and south of the intersection with Benchwood Road.
Church History and Current Status
The building, previously known as Empowerment Temple, ceased operations in 2020 and has been vacant since. The owners now seek to sell the property, which includes a 4.5-acre lot, to the Dayton Metro Pickleball (DMP) organization. The DMP plans to repurpose the site into a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor pickleball facility, pending rezoning approval from residential single-family to highway business.
Facility Plans and Features
The proposed redevelopment includes expanding the existing gym at the rear of the building to house 13 pickleball courts. Plans also call for the addition of eight outdoor lighted courts at the northwest end of the property. The building’s front section will be allocated for offices and support functions, with the chapel potentially serving as a wedding venue.
Impact on Surrounding Area
The project aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the Miller Lane business district, which is undergoing significant street and landscape improvements. This revitalization, branded as “Benchwood Station,” began with the announcement in the fall of 2021 and includes the construction of a roundabout at the Miller Lane/Maxton Road intersection. Additional streetscape changes are anticipated for the Benchwood Road area this year.
City’s Geographical Context
The proposed pickleball facility is situated in a section of Vandalia that extends south of I-70, reaching as far as Stop 8 Road, and west of I-75. This area, part of the city’s land, includes the Dayton city limits and the western edge of Art Van Atta Park.
News in Brief: Can a Church Become a Massive Pickleball Hotspot
Vandalia City Council will review a proposal on Sept. 16 to convert a vacant church on Miller Lane into a commercial pickleball facility. The redevelopment, which includes expanding the existing gym for 13 indoor courts and adding eight outdoor lighted courts, is contingent on rezoning approval.
The project is part of broader improvements in the Miller Lane business district, known as “Benchwood Station,” which features ongoing street and landscape upgrades. The site, previously Empowerment Temple, has been empty since 2020.
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