A new pickleball + “eatertainment” venue is headed to an acre of land within the RiverPark Place mixed-use development at 1515 River Shore Dr., just east of the Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park.

The yet-to-be-named concept, which is the first of its kind in Louisville, will feature several outdoor pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor bars, dining options + a gameyard. The development is spearheaded by a local partnership between TEN20 Craft Brewery co-founder John Flodder and CORE Real Estate Partners co-founder Lee Weyland.

An existing building will be renovated into a bar and restaurant. | Photo by John Flodder

Phase one of the project is expected to begin this fall and includes building out the six pickleball courts and adjacent gameyard, as well as repurposing an existing 2,600-sqft building on the property for the restaurant and bar — which will be set up to accommodate guests pulling into the nearby marina and residents of the neighboring apartments. An opening date is slated for early 2023.

The forthcoming courts will join the growing list of places to play pickleball in Derby City, including the recently opened courts at Baird Urban Sports Park at 615 W. Main St. + the 12 ones added to Charlie Vettiner Park back in June.

In case you missed it, pickleball is the US’s fastest-growing sport. The game — which was first played in Bainbridge Island, WA in 1965 — combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.Nice addition!!