Will A 21-Court Pickleball Facility Move Into A Major Mall?
The fastest-growing sport in America is continuing to take over. Now, at the Natick Mall, there are plans for a 21-court pickleball facility to move into the old Neiman Marcus…
The fastest-growing sport in America is continuing to take over. Now, at the Natick Mall, there are plans for a 21-court pickleball facility to move into the old Neiman Marcus building.
The fall weather still allows for outdoor pickleball. In fact, it is quite common to hear the sound of pickleball rackets taking over public tennis courts everywhere. However, that is not enough to meet the demand of interested players all around the Bay State.
"Boston-based real estate developer The Bulfinch Cos. Inc. is moving forward with a new plan to put a giant pickleball club at the Natick Mall’s former Neiman Marcus store," NBC Boston reported. Initially, this space was in the running to be a lab building. That plan recently fell through, now opening the door for pickleball to take over.
What Will This Natick Pickleball Facility Entail?
CBS Boston reports, "It will have 21 courts, a training center, a restaurant and two bars. This building layout is approximately 140,000 square feet. The new Natick facility is expected to be membership-based and a club environment.
While this complex will be new to the mall area, the subject of pickleball in Natick is not. In fact, the Natick Report, detailed this past spring that pickleball was a focus at town meetings. "We won’t be surprised if the meeting includes a wide-ranging discussion about the sport, as demand for courts is outstripping supply in Natick and elsewhere," the report stated.
If you are wondering who are the neighbors to this potential 21-court pickleball complex in Natick, the area is filled with options. There are 228 stores and services in the Natick Mall area. This includes ten different sports and fitness-themed outlets.
You may have some time to kill while waiting for your pickleball court to open. Or perhaps you want to grab post-game drinks. In either case, the Natick Mall also offers over 25 food and drink options in the development.
Five Great Places To Play Pickleball in Massachusetts
The fastest-growing sport in America has made its mark on New England. There are now a few exciting new places to play Pickleball in Massachusetts. Perhaps you have noticed your local athletic center turning part of their basketball gym into a Pickleball court. Even Lebron James is onboard, buying into a major league team in late 2022.
Though the sport has been around since 1965, it's more recently gained popularity here in New England. Whether you are looking to learn the game, play competitively or swing a paddle while sipping a beer, Massachusetts now has options to meet your Pickleball curiosity.
Here are five unique Pickleball experiences in the region:
5. Pickles - Hanover, MA
This south shore location is open seven days a week. Founded by Pickleball enthusiasts, Lisa DeMeritt and Wanda Melampy, Pickles has every interest covered. The facility offers six climate controlled indoor tournament-sized courts, two indoor practice courts, four outdoor courts, a player’s lounge, a viewing deck and a kitchen that serves food, drinks, and a variety of beverages - including beer, wine and malt liquors.
In terms of play, there’s everything from drop-in options to scheduling lesions with professionals. If you're apprehensive about playing the sport and just want to rock the hippest pickleball gear, you can find that here as well. Most of all, this establishment claimed the best name.
www.picklesne.com
4. Southcoast Pickleball - Fairhaven, MA
22,000 square feet of Pickleball fun greets you at Southcoast Pickleball. This spacious facility offers seven full courts. They offer clinics for everyone from first-timers to advanced players. If you’re looking for a unique team-building event, there’s also the option to hold your own private event here.
3. Dennis Pickleball - South Dennis, MA
This has summer fun written all over it. Wixon courts provides 14 perfectly lined outdoor courts. By becoming a member of Dennis Pickleball, you have full access to this facility, as it is reserved for members only from May 10th to October 15th. Through the town of Dennis recreation you are able to not only become part of the group of players but an entire “friends of Dennis Pickleball” community. This a non-profit organization working with the Town of Dennis, to rebuild courts and upkeep the properties. Sign up, grab a paddle and make an impact!
www.dennispickleball.org
2. Newburyport Tennis Club, Newburyport, MA
Don’t be fooled by the name! Three outdoor “Pickleball Only” courts joined the Newburyport Tennis club family in late 2021, and construction on a new fourth court has begun. There are also four indoor courts available on weekend evenings. There are a wide array of fun options available to learn the game here like, “Dril N’ Play” clinics that are set up by level. To meet the demand of this growing sport, NTC has launched social accounts specific to just their pickleball activity.
www.newburyporttennisclub.com
1. PKL - South Boston, MA
Perhaps the most unique pickleball experience in the area, PKL has a major wow factor. From its modern pink and teal branding to its engaging space monkey logo, PKL is a pickleball party. They offer leagues for both “wanna-be’s” and “try-hards” in addition to giving you the option to play cornhole or shuffle board.
PKL offers a wide array of delicious food items in an area offset from the courts. In addition, the menu includes an eclectic drink offering. How about a Fiona Apple Cider? Or - enjoying a Scary Spice Sangria after your match. If you're looking for complete pickleball social experience, PKL in southie is the place to be.
