New Center Opens in Cleveland’s Bellaire-Puritas Neighborhood
For more than two decades, a once-thriving warehouse on Crossburn Avenue in Cleveland’s Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood stood as a stark reminder of neglect and decay. Overgrown trees had pushed through its walls, and it had become a refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The site was littered with thousands of discarded tires and more than 1,000 yards of debris.
To others, the facility was a lost cause. But to entrepreneur and local real estate investor Rob Euerle, there was an opportunity.
With the support of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, the Cleveland Development Corporation and Ward 16 Councilman Brian Kazy, Euerle’s vision for a premier indoor/outdoor pickleball center is now a reality. The abandoned warehouse has undergone a remarkable and nearly-$1 million transformation, emerging as Cleveland’s largest and most advanced pickleball facility.
The journey to revitalize this property was arduous. The initial cleanup was monumental, involving removing thousands of tires and an overwhelming amount of debris. Despite the challenges, Euerle and his team kept their eye on the prize. The result is a 14-court state-of-the-art facility that offers pickleball enthusiasts of all levels a world-class experience. (Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has surged in popularity in recent years, attracting players of all ages and skill levels.)
Ricardo Leon, President and CEO of Cuyahoga Land Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This transformation is a testament to the power of vision and collaboration. The warehouse used to be a real eyesore and blight on the neighborhood, but now it will provide recreational opportunities for residents, boost local businesses and contribute to the revitalization of the Bellaire-Puritas area.”
Cleveland Pickleball Center’s grand opening on February 21 demonstrates how community partnerships and innovative ideas can revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents.
“We were extremely excited to purchase this property from the Cuyahoga County Land Bank and the Cleveland Development Corporation,” Euerle shared. “With the support of Councilman Brian Kazy, we have been able to turn a neglected space into a thriving pickleball community. We look forward to continuing to grow this neighborhood and foster a strong, vibrant pickleball community here in Cleveland.”
Learn more about the Cleveland Pickleball Center HERE, and check out some “before” and “after” photos of the property below.
