If you’ve been looking for more space to play pickleball, you’re about to get your wish.
Four local pickleballers are opening up Real Pickleball Guelph, a 20,000 square foot space dedicated to the fastest growing sport in North America.
The owners are targeting a mid-December opening for the facility, located in the back of the same building as the World Gym on Edinburgh Road.
“We knew there was a demand in the city that was not being met,” said Jason Huether, one of the four partners in the venture.
“Players are forced to play on outside courts, so that’s only seasonal. And then when they are playing indoors, it’s in less than ideal conditions. They’re playing on wood floors in a gym, or in the basement of a church.”
He said the idea here is to have a facility dedicated to the sport.
It’s also very Guelph-focused, from the local owners, even down to the cheeky reference to the Royal City in the name.
The Spanish translation of real – think the soccer team Real Madrid – means royal, though it is still pronounced the traditional way.
Eight professional sized courts are being built, and to the name, the setup is geared toward providing a real pickleball experience.
“We have full professional grade acrylic courts,” Huether said. “Each court is individually fenced in so that we control the ball and player movement.”
The facility will have merchandise and equipment for sale, along with snacks and beverages and a lounge area.
It’ll also be equipped with locker rooms and showers.
The walls will be adorned with Guelph-themed street art by a local artist.
Huether said it has a great working relationship with the Pickleball Guelph Association, and hopes to one day host tournaments.
There are also plans for after school programs and summer camps.
Membership options are available online, but there is a drop-in option for those just wanting to go in and play.
“There is a big demand in this city, and there is very little place to play for the general population,” Huether said.
“Our hope is that this is a lasting facility that draws in not just those that are involved in pickleball right now, but ‘pickleball for all’ is our tagline and we want to draw in as many people as we can, across all age groups.”
