Fairhaven’s SouthCoast Pickleball Opens Its Doors

The opening of SouthCoast Pickleball in Fairhaven on Saturday welcomed the public to this area's leading edge pickleball courts.

First it was known as Skate Plus, then Carousel Family Fun Center, where our kids enjoyed years of roller skating, birthday parties, the arcade and neon room and the zillion slices of pizza – followed by the heartburn – that make for some of the most cherished memories of their schooldays.

That was then. Walk in today, and check out the incredible conversion into a premiere 22,000-square foot indoor air-conditioned space featuring seven pickleball courts, ideal for players of all skill levels, from pickleball pro to just starting out.

The building has been completely renovated into a fresh, contemporary-looking facility to allow for indoor play of the SouthCoast's fastest-rising sport.

Adam Rogers, manager and co-owner, had an interesting story about that location, where they were originally planning on building business condominiums. Those plans were dropped after the price of building supplies shot through the roof.

"So, we sat back down at the drawing table and explored what several people suggested, that we open an indoor pickleball facility," he said.

The day before, the nearly 300-member Fairhaven Pickleball Association christened the seven indoor courts.

Rogers said he wants it to be a place centered around pickleball, but also to serve as a welcoming place of socialization. They've applied for a wine and beer permit.

"It's a nice place to be," Rogers said. "It's spacious and well lit."

Get our free mobile app

Nora Czerkowicz said, "It's cool." Her mother added, "The place looks amazing with what they've done. It's fresh and clean!"

As for pickleball's popularity, just as in Fairhaven, other area pickleball associations boast hundreds of members who like to play in competition tournaments. Close to five million Americans picked up a pickleball racquet last year, and despite the pandemic, the sport that's easy to play has grown over 40 percent.

Rogers is very well aware of this.

"Pickleball is about bringing people together," he said. "If we can just get people in the door to see this beautiful facility, they'll come back with friends."

SouthCoast Pickleball, located at 4 David Drown Boulevard in Fairhaven, is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Call (774) 206-6603 or visit southcoastpickleball.com for more info.