In a significant expansion of its offerings, The Edge is set to unveil a state-of-the-art pickleball facility in South Burlington, Vermont, this July. The new addition will feature both indoor and outdoor courts designed to cater to the region’s growing community of pickleball enthusiasts. The facility will house a total of 17 courts — nine indoor and eight outdoor.
Mike Feitelberg, the CEO of The Edge, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “We’re excited about the indoor and outdoor courts,” he said. “The public courts have gotten so busy that we’re really looking forward to presenting our members with the ability to make reservations and get in open play — something they can count on.”
Feitelberg highlighted the demand that led to this expansion, noting The Edge has not sold a pickleball membership for over two years due to being sold out. “Our waitlist has exceeded 300 people,” he said. “This expansion project will allow more people to play and enjoy the game without the long waits and disorganization often found at public courts.”
The timing of the opening couldn’t be more perfect, aligning with the start of summer. The outdoor courts will feature a social space complete with food trucks, lawn games and other activities.
“We’re creating a large outdoor space with food trucks lined up, serving beer and wine on certain nights,” explained Feitelberg. “We’ve got cornhole and different things to create that social community environment for all members, not just pickleball players.”
This project is part of a broader trend of growth in pickleball, particularly in the Northeast. Feitelberg pointed out the rapid expansion of pickleball facilities nationwide is driven by increasing participation and interest. “There’s a lot of celebrity support, a lot of athlete support and a lot of money going into infrastructure across the country, which is just spreading the word,” he said.
One of the key advantages of The Edge’s facility is its integration with the existing health club amenities. Members can cross-utilize the facilities, combining workouts with pickleball sessions. “It gives people a complete experience,” said Feitelberg. “They might come in and work out, then go play pickleball, or vice versa. And just having the ability to use the showers and all the different things you wouldn’t see in a standalone pickleball facility is an advantage.”
Feitelberg also touched on the club’s rich history and its evolution from a tennis-focused organization. “We started in 1966 as a tennis club,” he recalled. “Anyone in the racquet sports game needs to pay attention to what’s happening with pickleball, where the growth is and the potential for their communities.”
The Edge’s new pickleball facility is more than just a place to play; it’s a hub for community engagement, health and fun. As Feitelberg put it, “Pickleball was the catalyst for this space, but certainly all members are going to get to enjoy this and really bring together that community socialization, which is so important and a big part of who we are.”
