Jumbo’s Pickleball Brings New Energy to Lloyd Center: Since its opening in 1960, Lloyd Center in Portland has been a hub of activity and commerce. But in recent years, the iconic shopping center has struggled with declining foot traffic. Now, an innovative addition is sparking a revival: pickleball courts. While the ice-skating rink on the bottom floor remains a beloved centerpiece, the mall’s transformation into a community athletic space is taking shape.
From Movies to Matches
On November 1, Jumbo’s Pickleball opened its doors in the mall’s former indoor movie theater, conveniently located near the food court. The new facility is the brainchild of several investors, including Roshan Fernando, who also helped launch a similar location in Beaverton earlier this year.
Recognizing the rising popularity of pickleball and the opportunity presented by Lloyd Center’s vacant spaces, Fernando and his team saw a chance to bring something fresh to northeast Portland.
“I think only something around 20% of the town has played it more than maybe one or two times. So we still have a lot of people who haven’t actually tried it.” – (Fernando)
Community on the Courts
For many, including tennis players like Katie Slizewski, the new pickleball courts represent a shift in recreational habits.
“Now that I’ve found pickleball, I’ll never go back to tennis.” – (Slizewski)
The growing number of visitors to Lloyd Center for pickleball signals a renewed sense of community in a space that had become a shadow of its former self.
A Personal Connection
The name and branding of Jumbo’s Pickleball carry a family legacy. Roshan’s father, affectionately nicknamed Jumbo as a child in Sri Lanka, was a standout athlete, earning a spot in the University of Oregon Tennis Hall of Fame during the 1970s. Honoring his father’s legacy, Fernando expressed pride in creating something meaningful in his hometown.
“I love being in Portland, growing up here, you know. A lot of people were really happy that we’re putting something wholesome and good like this in the area.” – (Fernando)
He added that he’s inspired by the commitment of businesses to reinvest in the city, a sentiment echoed by the growing buzz at Lloyd Center.
News in Brief: Jumbo’s Pickleball Brings New Energy to Lloyd Center
Lloyd Center, Portland’s iconic mall, has welcomed Jumbo’s Pickleball, a new pickleball facility converting the old movie theater into vibrant pickleball courts. Opened on November 1, the venue is a nod to the sport’s rising popularity and aims to revive foot traffic.
Led by Roshan Fernando and his team, the project builds on their Beaverton success. With a family-inspired name honoring Fernando’s father, Jumbo’s has breathed fresh life into a beloved community space, blending nostalgia with a renewed focus on activity and connection.
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