More pickleball courts could soon be coming to southwest Michigan.
South Shore Health and Racquet Club in St. Joseph Township are seeking to build a facility to house new pickleball courts on their property at 3630 Tennis Court.
“We’re looking at answering some growing pain solutions that South Shore has seen over the years,” said South Shore General Manager Sarah Lancaster. “We have seven indoor tennis courts right now, and we have those lined for pickleball, but we’re looking at investing in an area that would have permanent pickleball as well as some other amenities for the club.”
The project took its first step Monday as St. Joseph Charter Township trustees voted to approve a commercial rehabilitation district at the property. The board also set a public hearing date for June 5 to consider South Shore’s request for a Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Abatement Certificate.
Zach Vaughn, director of community improvement at Cornerstone Alliance represented South Shore at the meeting, and explained to trustees the abatement would be for anywhere between one and ten years, and would freeze the property tax rate applied to the parcel of land for however long they decide.
When the term has expired, Vaughn said, a new property tax assessment would take place.
The new building is expected to be about 30,000 square feet, and will hold as many pickleball courts as possible while also following professional pickleball guidelines, Lancaster said. She added the amenities would be based on member requests and community needs.
Established in 1976, the club has about 85,000 square feet of space, with 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.
“We’re very happy that you folks are expanding,” Township Supervisor Roger Seely said. “It’s a great idea, and pickleball is an even better idea.”
Vaughn said any additional questions regarding details and timeframe will be answered as the process moves along. The public hearing for the tax exemption certificate will be at 6 p.m. June 5.
