Riverhead on Long Island, New York, has been going through a problem that seems to blight every small town throughout the U.S. at the moment, namely a lack of available pickleball courts!
Well, there’s good news on the horizon for those Riverhead residents affected by this inconvenience, as news of a new indoor pickleball club located in part of the space formerly occupied by a Kmart in a shopping center located on Route 58 has emerged.
Box Pickleball
Box Pickleball is poised to revolutionize recreational sports in Riverhead with its nine courts, fully stocked restaurant and bar, pro shop, and even space for cornhole. However, what sets Box Pickleball apart isn’t just its facilities; it’s the ethos behind its construction.
Most of the club’s interior structure is made of material recycled from metal shipping containers, which is, according to majority owner Pete Bachmore, the reason for the club’s name.
“I’m very intrigued with the stories of every single container that comes off a boat,” Bachmore, a former Wall Street lawyer from Bayport, told Riverhead Local. They’ve been everywhere, they’ve been all around the world, and we’re doing something pretty cool for the environment, reclaiming these things.”
Riverhead, Suffolk County, due to its location and revitalization efforts, is the “most optimal place to reach as many pickleball players as possible on the East End,” he added. “There’s like 1,000s of new players each and every month and there’s just not enough courts to keep up with the demand.”
The indoor courts allow the club to “be open all year round, so people can play all year round and take advantage of an enclosed, climate-controlled environment that people will know when they can get a court and have a great place to come and enjoy themselves,” he said.
According to Bachmore, the club is aiming for a grand opening in May.
Inclusivity
Inclusivity is at the core of Box Pickleball’s philosophy. While memberships will be available, the club will welcome players of all stripes with a flexible booking system designed to accommodate varying schedules, including hourly rates. Bachmore also emphasized its commitment to offering a range of programming, from clinics and lessons to tournaments and leagues, catering to players of every skill level.
However, for those seeking additional benefits, memberships will be available for purchase, offering discounts and exclusive perks.
“Recognizing that people play at different times throughout the day, we will be open for as long in the day as people want,” Bachmore said. “People want to come at 6 a.m., we will be open. If people want to come at midnight, we will be open. If there’s enough demand there, we will accommodate. That’s our goal.”
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Riverhead’s First Private Pickleball Facility
Box Pickleball, which was originally called Peconic Pickleball, is Riverhead’s first-ever private pickleball concern, although the town has made quite an effort to construct numerous public courts across its parks and organize leagues. According to the recreation superintendent, these courts are the town’s most sought-after amenities, particularly among the elderly populace.
Bachmore said. “We’re going to have top-notch clinics and professionals providing lessons and training, really for everybody — all skill levels,” he said. “We’ll have tournaments. We’ll have leagues. We will have competitions against other facilities on Long Island.”
In a move to commemorate its inception, Box Pickleball plans to roll out 100 lifetime “founder” memberships priced at $5,000 each. These esteemed memberships will confer special privileges, including enhanced discounts and access to exclusive events.
Bachmore assures that details regarding these coveted memberships will soon be accessible through the club’s website and social media channels.
Built-In Cameras
The innovation doesn’t end on the court; Box Pickleball is embracing technology with built-in camera setups for match replays and coaching sessions. Additionally, plans for live music and a vibrant social scene aim to create a welcoming atmosphere:
“We’ll have live music there. It’s going to be a little bit more of a different atmosphere,” Bachmore says. “A lot of these other pickleball places, you just come play pickleball and leave. I hope people come and stay”.
Looking ahead, Bachmore envisions expanding the Box Pickleball brand across the tri-state area, with Riverhead serving as just the beginning. As he succinctly puts it, “If people want a really interesting, cool place to come and play and have some fun on top of that, we want our place to be the best place to come. That’s our goal.”
