Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club Reopens Under New Ownership with Expanded Amenities
After a sudden closure late last year, the Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch has reopened under new ownership and management, launching with a soft opening on June 1st and bold plans for plans.
New leadership and staff
Scott Hermann purchased the facility after the original owners shut down operations due to financial difficulties. He appointed Matt Lund—a former YMCA executive who relocated from Wisconsin with his family—to serve as CEO. Lund, who joined the previous team in December, stayed on board and quickly helped lead the reopening effort.
Membership and pricing
The revamped club employs a semi-private, tiered membership model, with plans ranging from $80 to $525 per month, plus a one-time initiation fee. Members who join in June or July have their initiation fee waived. Lund reports that 200 memberships have been sold so far, to reach 450.
Enhanced facilities underway
The reopening retained eight climate-controlled indoor pickleball courts, including two championship-sized fields. Additional facilities currently in development include:
A gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts
A wellness and recovery center featuring hydromassage, red-light therapy, and cryo-lounges
A redesigned café and pro shop
A full-service bar holding liquor, beer, and wine licenses for café traffic and club events
The café, dubbed Pickles Café, plans to serve pizzas, wings, sandwiches, and beverages once final licensing is secured, which is expected in early July. The wellness center has already opened, and extra courts will debut later this summer.
Transparency and community focus
Lund emphasized clarity in pricing and membership benefits—a response to criticisms that the previous ownership had frequently shifted models and fees. Comprised of three full-time and five part-time staff, the club is ready to scale operations as membership grows.
While public pickleball facilities are increasing in the region, including a new county complex, Lund believes the club’s indoor, amenity-rich environment offers a distinct advantage, especially during inclement weather.
As membership ramps up, the club aims to become a hub not only for pickleball enthusiasts but also for seniors, youth, and health-focused community members.
The Lund family relocated from Wisconsin to pursue competitive pickleball and for Matt to step into his new role as CEO of The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch.