The Picklr Fort Collins, currently under construction at Jessup Farm Artisan Village in Colorado, represents a new chapter for the fast-growing franchise as its first facility to be built from the ground up. Slated to open in fall 2025, this 27,000-square-foot venue is being customized for design, functionality and community integration.
A First-of-Its-Kind Facility
Unlike other Picklr locations, which are typically retrofitted into former big-box spaces, the Fort Collins site was designed from scratch — giving developers total control over the layout, aesthetic and efficiency of the facility. This flexibility has allowed for thoughtful touches like column-free court space, garage doors for natural airflow and a private event area, all optimized to elevate the player experience.
“The ability to optimize and make it look exactly how you want, rather than adapting to constraints of a pre-existing space, was a huge driver for us,” said Chad Preiss, one of the co-owners of The Picklr Fort Collins. “It allows us to deliver something truly exceptional.”
The facility will feature 10 indoor courts using proprietary outdoor surfacing from Just Courts — the same surface used by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) — plus a pro shop, locker rooms, showers, grab-and-go refreshments and a private event space. Wingfield AI technology will also be integrated to support advanced player training and analytics.
A Community-Driven Concept
Strategically located within Jessup Farm Artisan Village — a walkable neighborhood rich with local businesses — The Picklr Fort Collins is designed to be more than just a destination for play. It’s meant to be a community anchor.
“We love the idea of having activities that promote healthy lifestyles join Jessup Farm,” said Gino Campana, the founder of Bellisimo Inc., the developer behind the Artisan Village. “We’ve been waiting to put something truly special on Jessup Farm’s last two pads, and we think this is it.”
This alignment with Jessup Farm’s mission of creating experiences and community was a natural fit for The Picklr. Nearby small businesses like restaurants, breweries and wellness boutiques are already anticipating the added foot traffic and visibility the facility will bring.
“It’s going to raise all boats within this area,” added Preiss. “And because our peak season is opposite the rest of the Village, we’ll complement existing businesses beautifully.”
Strategic Franchise Growth
Colorado Pickleball — the area development arm responsible for The Picklr Fort Collins — is led by Jim Lautzenheiser, Chad Preiss, Randy Halfpop, and pickleball Hall of Famer Kyle Yates. The group has already opened Picklr locations in Loveland, Thornton, Cheyenne and Aurora, with more coming soon in Cherry Creek and Littleton. Up to 10 locations are planned across the Denver metro area.
According to Preiss, having Kyle Yates on the team brings credibility and competitive insight to both court construction and instructional programming.
Programming That Puts Players First
Programming at The Picklr isn’t an afterthought — it’s a competitive advantage. Leslie Arnold, the co-owner and operator of both the Loveland and Fort Collins clubs, is committed to listening to member feedback and tailoring offerings accordingly.
“We try many different formats to fit what our members want,” said Arnold. “One league called ‘Couples Therapy’ started as a Valentine’s Day event and now runs year-round. It’s fun, inclusive and reflects what pickleball is all about — community.”
Instruction is another key focus. With a background in education, Arnold has emphasized professional development among coaches, ensuring instruction is not only technically sound, but also accessible and engaging for players of all levels.
The Picklr Advantage
As a franchise, The Picklr offers unmatched benefits: a robust national network of clubs, access to advanced instructional tools, and a play-anywhere membership model that resonates with snowbirds and frequent travelers.
The brand has sold over 500 franchises since mid-2023 — a testament to its forward-thinking approach. “They’ve created a learning organization that’s constantly improving,” said Preiss. “We’re proud to be helping shape what version 3.0 and 4.0 of The Picklr looks like.”
With its intentional design, strategic location and community-first mindset, The Picklr Fort Collins is sure to be a stand-out club for the franchise.
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
