Donat Aubuchon served for 37 years on the board of IC Credit Union. He retired in June 2023 but has already founded Pickleball & More, an extraordinary indoor pickleball facility designed for participants of all ages.
30,000ft2 And Nine Dedicated Courts
The center will open this month and feature over 30,000 square feet of space and nine dedicated courts. It will be located in the Planet Fitness Plaza at 718 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748.
Donat says in a press release, “We aim to be more than just a pickleball facility. We aspire to build a community, connected by their love for the sport and commitment to active living,”
“We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels to promote fitness and fun.”
A Top-Tier Pickleball Experience
Pickleball & More aims to offer a top-tier indoor pickleball experience through a spacious modern facility featuring nine cushioned courts strategically designed to reduce strain on muscles and joints, as stated in the release.
The proposed facility will be climate-controlled and equipped with a newly installed ceiling and exhaust fan system to maintain a continuous flow of fresh, filtered air. Additionally, it will feature cutting-edge LED lighting for optimal visibility.
The center will provide a selection of soft drinks and wholesome snacks, and there are plans to introduce a beer and wine license in the near future. Furthermore, the venue will offer access to a roster of available trainers for hire, as well as opportunities to rent the space for various events and birthday celebrations.
Free To Join
Pickleball & More is free to join, and the membership process can be completed effortlessly in three simple steps using their official app.
The facility will operate during the following hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.
The rate for open play and clinics is set at $40 per court for a one-hour session.
We have published several other articles about the various pickleball centers that have opened across our nation.
“One Constant – Pickleball”
Aubuchon attributed the expansion of Pickleball & More to his genuine passion for the sport. The inception of Pickleball & More dates back to the pandemic when he stumbled upon the ideal dimensions for a pickleball court while playing on his driveway.
He was sure about one thing: “During a time with so much unknown and uncertainty, there was one constant – pickleball.”
His deep affection for the game and its positive effects on his social, emotional, and physical well-being fueled his desire to offer a comparable experience to the Dartmouth community and beyond.
Environmental Responsibility
In line with his commitment to environmental responsibility, Aubuchon, who also holds ownership of the commercial plaza housing Pickleball & More, has made substantial investments in capital improvements.
Notably, he has covered over an acre of the commercial roof with solar panels, all with the aim of enhancing the property for the benefit of the Dartmouth community.
The Eternal Question
He also answered a question that everybody seems to want to know about: “What about the And More?? People have been asking What is the More? It is an ever-evolving answer.
“As we get established, we would like to offer fundraising events, corporate functions, private parties, expanded tournament play such as cornhole or darts, beer, wine tastings, food trucks, and more.
“The ‘more’ is only limited to our imagination.”
Pickleball In The New Bedford Area
As pickleball continues to gain popularity in the SouthCoast region, Dartmouth is no longer the sole location following the opening of indoor courts at Southcoast Pickleball in Fairhaven, MA, in August 2022.
The Fairhaven Pickleball Association also reports ongoing construction at Livesey Park, with the creation of high-quality outdoor courts, complete with individual fencing to prevent balls from spilling into adjacent courts.
Massachusetts is a hotbed of pickleball activity and you can read our articles on the subject by clicking here.
