Investor Group To Launch State-Of-The-Art Indoor Pickleball Facility In Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY - A new 10-court indoor pickleball facility, "Pickleball House," is set to open in Baltimore County's Greenleigh community in Middle River in November.

The new venue is part of an initiative from a group of investors featuring Gil Schuerholz, co-owner of Forty West Tennis Club in Catonsville, former tennis professional, and member of the Towson University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Schuerholz, along with fellow investors Bill Henderson and Joe Opauski, aim to capitalize on the growing popularity of pickleball with their 27,130 square feet facility at 1330 Innovation Street.

"We intend Pickleball House to be a world-class facility featuring top-of-the-line finishes that others will wish to emulate," said Schuerholz. "The facility will be state-of-the-art in every way, will accommodate all player skill levels from beginner to professional, and will be staffed by a highly-experienced team."

The Pickleball House is designed with high standards, from professionally measured courts to enhanced lighting and acoustic treatments. Additional amenities include full-service locker rooms, a pro shop, lounge areas with televisions, and a center court with bleacher seating. Various activities will be available for all skill levels, and the facility aims to host clinics, educational sessions, and tournaments, attracting players from around the country.

Scott Thornton, a USA Pickleball Ambassador from Orlando, Florida, and Director of Racket Sports/Facility Manager for Orlando Tennis Centre, has been appointed General Manager.

"The amazing growth of pickleball reminds me of the tennis craze in the late 70s and 80s," Schuerholz said. He also shared his own experience playing the game and falling in love with it. "Like most people, it only took playing pickleball one time for me to become smitten with the sport."

The site has room for an additional six outdoor courts, which the group suggests may be an option for the future. Schuerholz also indicated plans to expand to other locations in the greater Baltimore metropolitan region.

Pickleball, a game invented by two families in Washington State during the mid-1960s, has rapidly increased in popularity. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, over nine million people have participated in the sport at least once since 2022, making it the fastest-growing sport in the nation for the third consecutive year.

"There is no denying the rapid growth of pickleball throughout the country. With 18-foot ceiling heights and an adjacent free surface parking lots, our signature flex/R&D buildings are perfectly-suited to support this use," said Matt Lenihan, Senior Vice President, Leasing for St. John Properties.

The Pickleball House joins other pickleball venues in the St. John Properties portfolio, including the recently-opened The PutAway in I-97 Business Park and the Baltimore Pickleball Club, set to be operational at Timonium Exchange later this year.

More News from Towson

• BCPS Invites Community To Discuss Budgetary Challenges And Solutions Baltimore County Public Schools has announced a series of five "Community Conversations" this October and November, to gather input on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget.
• Towson's Culinary Stars Set To Shine At 11th Annual Taste of Towson Event Organized by the Towson Chamber of Commerce, this gastronomic gala has carved its niche in the hearts of residents and visitors alike.