Flying Pickle proposes indoor facility to boost Mesquite's pickleball community

The Mesquite City Council meeting held on February 11, 2025, focused on the growing popularity of pickleball in the community and a proposal for a new indoor pickleball facility. The meeting began with a discussion on the current state of pickleball courts in Mesquite, highlighting the need for indoor options due to weather constraints.

A local entrepreneur, Spencer, shared his vision for establishing a pickleball business in Mesquite. Initially hesitant about the town's size, he was encouraged by friends to reconsider. After researching various indoor facilities, he connected with the Flying Pickle franchise based in Boise, Idaho, which specializes in creating community-oriented sports environments. Spencer emphasized that the proposed facility would not only cater to pickleball enthusiasts but also serve as a social hub for all ages.

Paul Street, the founder of Flying Pickle, and Hunter Christiansen, the VP of real estate, presented their concept to the council. They highlighted the health benefits of pickleball and shared success stories from their Boise location, including community support for individuals facing personal challenges and the fostering of youth programs. They noted that the facility would create jobs and boost local tourism through hosting national tournaments.

The council members engaged in a dialogue about the feasibility of the project, including questions about membership numbers needed for financial viability and potential costs associated with the facility. Spencer estimated that around 300 members would be necessary to sustain operations, with projected costs for the facility around $5 million.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the potential for the indoor pickleball facility to enhance community engagement and provide a valuable recreational resource for Mesquite residents. The council expressed interest in further discussions regarding zoning and land use to support this initiative.