People in Oshawa and Clarington will have a new way to socialize and exercise when Pickleplex Social Club opens its new location this September.
Franchise co-owner Lishan Taneza said she’s heard Oshawa is the “capital of pickleball” and being located at 1300 King St. E. in Oshawa, near its border with Clarington, she hopes to attract players from both municipalities.
“We know it’s a great area,” said Taneza.
“Being part of a social circle leads to a better, more fulfilled life,” Owen Smith, Pickleplex’s co-founder and chief commercial officer, said in an interview. “We’re a social club first. This was built on the idea of community.”
On top of that, whether young or old, “being active, hand-eye co-ordination and quick thinking on your feet are really important for longevity and overall health and well-being,” he said.
The “beauty” of pickleball is that anyone of any age can play it, said Smith, which is why Pickleplex is a family-friendly club with no age restrictions.
“Often, we see grandkids or kids with their parents and their grandparents all playing at the same time on the same court and actually having a competitive match,” he said, adding that the sport is “easy to pick up.”
Pickleplex opened its first club in Barrie in January, and Pickleplex Oshawa is one of four clubs opening up this summer.
No prior pickleball experience is necessary to use the club, as there will be coaches on site, lessons available for booking and equipment to rent.
Pickleplex offers a tiered membership program, but a membership isn’t needed to use the space. It also offers open play sessions where players are matched based on skill level, so there’s no pressure on players to build their own teams.
“Just bring your running shoes and show up, and we’ll take care of the rest,” said Smith.
Memberships for Pickleplex Oshawa can be purchased online as of July 29. There is a limited quantity available.
