Pickleball lovers in the area may soon have a new venue to enjoy in the sport.
The Newtown Township Planning Commission last week backed plans for a indoor pickleball club.
A company named The Picklr has proposed converting the vacant Bed, Bath, and Beyond store at 20 West Road into an 11-court indoor facility.
According to Peggy Driscoll, chair of the planning commission, the 30,000-square-foot space will be transformed into a membership-only club.
The project received a conditional use approval recommendation that will have to be voted on at a future meeting by the Newton Township Board of Supervisors.
If the supervisors approve the condition use, the facility could open within 12 weeks pending final approval by township supervisors, officials said.
If the location is approved, the Utah-based would be opening the first location in Pennsylvania.
Features of the planned facility include professional-grade outdoor surfacing, a pro shop, private event areas, and league play. Additionally, locker rooms and showers will enhance the playing experience.
The Picklr opened an indoor location in 2021 and has expanded rapidly across the United States, with 275 locations.
The 2022 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report highlighted an 85 percent increase in players, totaling 8.9 million and establishing pickleball as America’s fastest-growing sport.
The surge in interest has led to an increased number of pickleball facilities by local governments and businesses across the country.
However, the sport’s rapid growth has not been without challenges. CNN reported issues such as injuries, noise concerns from residents, and competition for court time have arisen across the country.
Publisher Tom Sofield contributed to this report.
