Harry E. Robbins Associates, Inc. bring Pickleball to the Lakewood Ranch area
Harry E. Robbins Associates, Inc. is helping bring the sport of Pickleball to the Lakewood Ranch area. Partnering with “The Pickleball Club,” Loyd Robbins facilitated the acquisition of a 2.5-acre parcel of land that would accommodate a new indoor complex to house the sport. Brian McCarthy, Development Manager and site investor, explains that he is targeting the growing demographic with this venture. In his research, he found there was a 20% increase in active pickleball players in the country in the past year (currently 4.8 million players). Ages 45 and older account for about 50% of this population and a surprising 23% consisting of those between the ages of 18 and 24. Brian's strategic wager is placed in the unmet need for enclosed spaces where the growing number of pickleball lovers can escape the sweltering heat of South Florida and play the sport at their leisure. With the problem defined, Brian proposed a membership-based pickleball club and provides multiple locations for its players to participate.
On September 22nd, over 100 individuals, consisting of interested locals and invested organizations, gathered to watch the groundbreaking event on the site just east of I-75 and Fruitville Rd. By its completion, the building will occupy 34,000 s/f of space and experience regular visits from over 600 new members. In addition to 12 indoor courts, the facility will include a pro shop for merchandise and equipment as well as a café and seating area. Loyd Robbins and his sons were in attendance, supporting the progress that Robbins Real Estate and “The Pickleball Club” had made together. Before the shovels struck, however, Brian had already set his sights on new locations for future facilities. “This is a project that Brian and I both believe in. There aren’t too many that would have thought of this sport as the next suburban trend, but today’s turnout [150 membership signatures in the first day] speaks volumes. Brian is confident in our ability to establish at least 15 Pickleball facilities in Florida alone. On our side, we are working away to make sure the land we find meets his requirements, and then we’ll attain those parcels for him and hopefully bring this idea to life.” - Loyd Robbins, Broker at Harry E. Robbins Associates, Inc.
Loyd and Brian are excited for the challenges that this ambitious project bring and look forward to providing the public with more updates on the ongoing developments.
*Loyd Robbins stands next to Brian McCarthy following groundbreaking event*
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