Pickleball players rejoice — your options in Palm Springs are about to expand with what could be the first in a national chain of private clubs aimed at providing an exclusive experience for players of the increasingly popular sport.
An ownership group led by local entrepreneur Lauri Kibby said in a news release Monday it hopes to open a 12-court indoor facility in June. The group has started to seek approval at Palm Springs City Hall for the facility on property located off Farrell Drive along East Research Drive.
Kibby has been involved in a number of high-profile projects here. She is a co-founder of the Kings Garden cannabis cultivation business and is leading the development of The Dream Hotel planned near the city’s convention center.
Included in what developers are calling “PickleClub” will be not only courts for the sport, but a fitness center, a bar with indoor and outdoor lounge seating, a spa and a plunge pool. The club will also have space for meetings and special events.
“We’re thrilled to bring this innovative combination of experiences to Palm Springs,” Kibby said. “The club will be the spot for people to play pickleball, relax with friends, and socialize with other members.
“Our vision is an upscale and chic club and we believe our membership will enjoy the friendly environment and our attention to detail.”
As envisioned, the club will cater to both casual and competitive players, but also serve as host for tournaments.
“This is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and there is great demand for both year-round pickleball and social engagement,” Kibby said.
Developers hope to hold a groundbreaking in April and open the facility in June. They said they hope engage the community as it moves from planning to fruition and have already been in preliminary discussions with city staff.
If all goes well, group members said Monday, national expansion will follow opening of the Palm Springs facility.
The need for additional pickleball courts in the city has been apparent for the better part of the past two years. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, local players have faced crowded conditions at courts in city parks. Those conditions led to the City Council approving a dozen additional courts in the city over the coming years in its most recent budget.
More information: To stay up to date on the facility’s progress, visit the newly-launched website at PickleClub-PS.com.
