Life Time, CityPickle & Pickleball Pros Rally Behind Luxe Boca Paddle Club
The high-profile project promises to reshape South Florida’s racquet sports scene
Boca Raton is getting a major upgrade to its paddle sports scene as Boca Paddle, in partnership with CityPickle, prepares to open a 100,000-square-foot indoor racquet sports complex.
Set to open in early 2026, the facility will be the city’s first fully climate-controlled indoor paddle club, featuring 25 courts (19 for pickleball and six for padel) with a mix of indoor and covered outdoor play areas for year-round access.
Construction begins Wednesday, Boca Paddle confirmed.
“Boca Paddle is a defining moment not just for the sport but for the city of Boca Raton,” CityPickle co-founder Mary Cannon said. “This facility will set a new national standard — pairing the passion of the paddle community with the sophistication of a true luxury destination. Alongside our incredible South Florida partners, we’re proud to bring the CityPickle experience to Boca Raton in a way that’s never been done before.”
The project is backed by a powerhouse team of developers, restaurateurs and pro athletes aiming to elevate racquet sports in South Florida: Butters Construction, CityPickle, farm-to-table restaurant Farmer’s Table and community leaders Stewart Davis and Brian Levine, who also serves on the board of the United Pickleball Association, the group behind the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
Similarly, the club’s investor roster reads like a who’s who of the sport, including top-ranked pros and Boca Raton residents Anna Bright, Ben Johns, JW and Jorja Johnson and Gabriel Tardio. It also counts luxury athletic country club operator Life Time and pickleball team owners Al Tylis, Richard Chaifetz and Ron Saslow among its backers.
“This groundbreaking facility positions Boca Raton to cement its status as the paddle capital of the world,” Boca Paddle co-founder Levine said. “Of the current top 10 ranked pickleball players globally, seven reside in the Boca Raton area. And that is a function of the sheer density of passionate pickleball players that reside in our community.”
Boca Paddle intends to offer more than just court time. The facility will feature upscale amenities, including locker rooms with saunas and cold plunge pools, a warm-up and stretching area, a work lounge with private call booths and a pro shop. At the heart of the club will be a full-service restaurant and bar operated in partnership with Farmer’s Table, a seed oil–free dining concept known for its health-driven menu.
Daily programming will include open play, clinics, lessons and leagues for all ages and skill levels, as well as tournaments. The space will also be available to host private events ranging from birthday celebrations to corporate outings.
“This is a landmark project for the pickleball and padel community and a true testament to the sport’s explosive growth in Palm Beach County,” CityPickle co-founder Erica Desai said. “We’re thrilled that CityPickle fans — from across the country and our hometown of New York City — will now have a luxe new home to play when visiting South Florida.”