Former Bed Bath & Beyond in Ocean County to Transform into Pickleball Center
Former Bed Bath & Beyond Store in Ocean County to Transform into Pickleball Center
Exciting news for pickleball enthusiasts in Ocean County as a former Bed Bath & Beyond store is set to undergo a major transformation. The Utah-headquartered indoor pickleball franchise, The Picklr, has announced plans to open a new facility in the Kohl’s Plaza Shopping Center in Manahawkin.
Franchisee Arete Sports Group has signed a lease for the 22,500-square-foot club at 205 Route 72 W, marking The Picklr’s official expansion into the New Jersey/New York market. The Picklr Manahawkin-LBI will be the first of more than 15 clubs that ASG plans to open within the next year in its territory, which includes parts of the Garden State and the Greater New York City area.
The new facility, set to open in late 2024, will feature seven professional-quality courts, sound-reduction baffle matrix systems, low-glare lighting, a full pro shop, café, lounge, and locker rooms. Membership to the club will include unlimited open play, league play, tournaments, clinics, guest passes, and access to all Picklr clubs nationwide.
Tom Neale, ASG founder and Surf City resident, expressed excitement about bringing a high-quality indoor pickleball venue to the area, citing the strong local pickleball community in Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, and its surroundings.
The Picklr is just one of several franchises catering to the growing popularity of pickleball, the nation’s fastest-growing sport. Other pickleball centers, such as PickleRage in Moorestown, Pickleball Kingdom in Hamilton, and the largest pickleball facility in the Northeast, are also set to open in various locations across New Jersey.
With the rise of indoor pickleball clubs offering state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, pickleball enthusiasts in Ocean County and beyond have plenty of options to enjoy their favorite sport in a welcoming and competitive environment.