Canton, Ohio, pickleball fanatics will soon have a dedicated indoor facility at their disposal. Spanning 20,000 square feet, construction of the Prime Pickleball Club is underway at 4736 Dressler Road NW, Canton, Ohio.
This site formerly housed the American National University in Thursday’s Plaza. The expected launch is early next year.
Year-Round Play
Owner Eddie Zhang will operate the club alongside his wife, Linda. Eddie said, “We’ve played pickleball at the YMCA and outside in the summer and really love it. So we wanted to open an indoor facility for everyone to play year-round.”
The facility renovation will cost between $1 million and $1.5 million. It will cover about 3 acres and boast eight pickleball courts, including three championship-grade courts suitable for tournaments.
Prime Pickleball Club is one of two new indoor facilities set to open in Northeast Ohio, with the Ace Pickleball Club planning a site next year in Solon, about 60 miles north of Canton.
“A Growing Sport”
Steve Pustay, the future director of pickleball at the club, talked about additional amenities, mentioning the inclusion of men’s and women’s locker rooms, along with a snack bar.
He emphasized the facility’s importance, stating, “This entire place will fill a big need for people wanting indoor play. It’s very much a growing sport.”
Pustay added that there are about 1,500 dedicated pickleball players around the Stark, Tuscarawas, and Summit counties.
“It’s Really Taken Off”
Steve Pedro, director of the Massillon Park Department, highlighted the popularity of pickleball among senior citizens:
“We added two courts just this year. More and more folks want to play. It’s really taken off.”
He also estimated the Rec Center likely sees 30 pickleballers every day.
Prime will offer various services, including league play, lessons, camps, tournaments, drop-in sessions, and events for members and non-members.
Hall Of Fame City Pickleball Club
Linda mentioned the expected membership fees would be $100 annually or $15 monthly.
With plans to employ 15 to 20 individuals, the business aims to collaborate with the Hall of Fame City Pickleball Club for future tournaments and group competitions.
The Zhang family, known for operating A-1 Japan Steakhouse, anticipates a grand opening for the pickleball center in mid-February or early March.
About Canton
Canton, nestled in Stark County, Ohio, serves as both a city and the county seat.
Largest Municipality
Positioned approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland and 20 miles south of Akron in Northeast Ohio, it borders the edges of Ohio’s Amish Country.
According to the 2020 census, Canton boasted a population of 70,872, ranking eighth in population among Ohio’s cities. As the largest municipality in the Canton–Massillon metropolitan area, encompassing Stark and Carroll counties, it accommodated a total of 401,574 residents in 2020.
Historical Significance
Renowned as the hometown of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League, Canton holds historical significance.
The 25th U.S. President, William McKinley, orchestrated his celebrated front porch campaign, securing the presidency in the 1896 election right from his Canton residence.
Moreover, Canton was selected as the site for the First Ladies National Historic Site, a tribute primarily honoring President McKinley’s wife, Ida Saxton McKinley.
