Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Granbury will soon be serving up a new recreational hotspot, as plans for a new pickleball facility have been officially unveiled.
The Granbury City Council Aug. 6 unanimously approved a special use permit for the venue, which will allow the establishment to operate as an outdoor amusement center in a heavy commercial zoning district.
Located at 2440 E. U.S. Highway 377, the facility — named Sporty Pickle according to its website — will feature indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, along with a full-service restaurant.
The proposed site spans nearly five acres and will replace existing buildings that are set to be demolished. Access to the facility will also be convenient, with entrances from both Old Granbury Road and U.S. 377, ensuring easy traffic flow and ample parking for visitors.
According to the site plan, the facility will feature six indoor courts and four outdoor courts, which will be equipped with metal canopies to shield players from the elements and reduce noise.
In addition to the pickleball courts, Sporty Pickle will feature a restaurant offering the “best bites and brews in town,” according to its website. With all the charm of a classic sports bar, patrons will be able to enjoy meals and refreshments while simultaneously watching the biggest games of the season on screens throughout the venue.
Community Development Director Kira Wauwie reported that public notice was sent to 14 nearby property owners, resulting in mixed feedback on the project, with one letter of support and one letter of opposition. Nevertheless, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the project with a 6-0 vote.
During the discussion, a concern was brought up about the possibility of pickleballs from the facility landing on U.S 377.
Owner Frank Dale explained that the outdoor facility will be enclosed by a 6-foot chain-link fence with iron gates, effectively preventing any balls from escaping. Each court will also feature a 48-inch gate to further ensure that balls remain contained within the designated area.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Steven Vale about operating hours, Dale noted the facility is currently considering opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends, potentially until 11 p.m. or midnight. He emphasized those hours could be adjusted based on customer demand.
"I haven't played pickleball yet. I know there's a lot of orthopedists in town who are probably appreciative of the sport,” Vale said, chuckling. “But we've got another facility up on (Farm-to-Market Road) 51, the YMCA has pickleball and I think we've got a person here with us tonight who has somebody playing out at Pecan Plantation. It's a growing sport."
“Mr. Dale is looking to do an incredible project related to pickleball," City Manager Chris Coffman said. “I’m excited to see somebody take that piece of property that's been needed to be developed for a long time and come up with new plans. I'm excited for it.”
The Granbury City Council unanimously voted to approve the specific use permit with several conditions, noting that parking and storage must be on a hard surface, fire lanes must remain obstructed, and the driveway on E. U.S. Highway 377 may be relocated with administrative approval if needed by TxDOT.
For more information about Sporty Pickle — and to stay in the know for future developments — visit the website at sportypickletx.com or email info@sportypickletx.com.
