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October 1, 2024
St. Joseph, Michigan – As Pickleball’s popularity surges nationwide, Southwest Michigan now welcomes its newest indoor courts at South Shore Health & Racquet Club in St Joseph Charter Township. The 30,000-square-foot addition, built specifically for Pickleball, was completed in late summer and officially opened for play on September 21st.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber will be hosting a ribbon cutting for the new space on Monday, October 7th from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to join! South Shore staff will be available to teach individuals to play or play with those familiar with the sport.
Established in 1976, by St. Joseph businessman Jack Kinney and friends, the club has grown to include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor racquetball courts, a 15,000 square foot fitness area, an outdoor basketball court, indoor basketball hoop, swimming pool, whirlpool, steam sauna and more. They also offer an array of classes, lessons, personal training programs and leagues.
Today, Jack’s granddaughter Sarah Lancaster and her husband Jake proudly represent the third generation of ownership at South Shore, having acquired the property from Sarah’s parents, Jackie and Tony Monte. Their deep understanding of the community’s needs and their members' preferences was the driving force behind this latest expansion.
“The addition of these new pickleball courts reflects not only South Shore Health & Racquet Club’s enduring commitment to our community, but the Lancaster family’s multi-generational commitment as well,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “Sarah and Jake have done more than just expand their facilities; they’ve created a welcoming space where people can connect, grow, and thrive together. Their passion for the well-being of our community truly reflects the values that make Southwest Michigan special and is a heartfelt continuation of their family legacy. We’re excited to see the club continue to flourish under their leadership.”
“Pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in America, we saw the demand locally and felt it fit perfectly with not just our mission but the history of why South Shore was formed,” adds Sarah. “Southwest Michigan has already embraced the sport, with a number of local businesses such as TMPR in Buchanan, a local supplier of pickleball paddles.”
Additional local support for the project came from Pearson Construction of Benton Harbor, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, Cornerstone Alliance, and St. Joseph Charter Township.
“At Pearson Construction we were delighted to partner with South Shore Heath & Racquet Club on this exiting Design-Build project to expand the health club and bring state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts to Southwest Michigan. Having constructed the original building in 1976, it has been a privilege to continue partnering with Sarah and Jake as they carry on and enhance the legacy of the South Shore Health and Racquet Club," says Burton Pearson II, President of Pearson Construction Company.
As the first fitness center owners in Southwest Michigan to add dedicated indoor Pickleball courts, the $2 million addition includes eight courts and a lounge area and bar.
“Cornerstone Alliance prides its efforts on exercising methods which create healthy environments for businesses to grow and thrive here in Michigan’s great southwest. South Shore Health and Racquet Club’s latest expansion yet again showcases how a local business’s commitment, resiliency, and consistency continues to help strengthen the economic landscape of the community,” adds Zach Vaughn, Director, Business Growth for Cornerstone Alliance. “We are excited to have supported South Shore Health and Racquet Club, as well as St. Joseph Township, as this project will continue to produce a positive healthy impact for residents and community guests for years to come!”
Sarah adds, “It’s a very social and competitive sport for all levels of play. The lounge serves as a space for private parties to gather as well as a space for players to socialize off the courts.”
The new addition offers open-play sessions, tournaments and private lessons, plus private rental for corporate gatherings.
For information about lessons, contact Head Pickleball Professional Nate Martin at 269-369-0632 or nate@southshorehrc.com; or Pickleball Professional Joe Bigley at 269-930-1977 or joe@southshorehrc.com.
For detailed information about pickleball court rental rates and a full schedule, contact South Shore Health & Racquet Club at 429-2101 or email sarah@southshorehrc.com.
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