A $44.2 million athletics complex under construction on Rangeland Parkway will bring 24 pickleball courts to Lakewood Ranch, answering what Manatee County officials call overwhelming demand from east-county residents.
The facility at Premier Sports Campus North, 16350 Rangeland Pkwy., broke ground Jan. 30, 2025, and is expected to open by late summer or fall of 2026. Manatee County posted construction progress photos on X on July 3, noting the recreation center is "really starting to take shape."
"We have a steady flow of residents and visitors coming in here constantly," recreation division manager Allison Minardi told WWSB in an Aug. 12 feature. "And we have demand for the same type of amenities on the east side of the county as well."
Minardi was referring to GT Bray Park in Bradenton, where 20 courts draw up to 600 players a day. The Lakewood Ranch facility will surpass that footprint: 14 of its 24 courts will be covered, and the 44,000-square-foot complex also includes a competition-sized swimming pool, therapy pool, locker rooms, walking trails and parking for 166 vehicles.
A pro behind the program
Helping oversee the county's racket sports program is Jay Jaudon, a recreation coordinator who once ranked in the top 150 on the Professional Pickleball Association Tour. Jaudon is also a US Open Men's Doubles gold medalist and USA Pickleball Indoor Nationals silver medalist, according to his Suncoast Pickleball Association bio.
"People love having success hitting a ball over the net," Jaudon told WWSB. "And what racquet sports can you do that the most? That's easy — Pickleball."
Injury awareness grows with the sport
Dr. Alex Bajorek, a rehabilitation physiatrist at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, said the number of people playing pickleball in the community increased five-fold from 2020 to 2025, and pickleball-related patient visits have risen sharply alongside that growth. Calf muscle tears are among the most common injuries. Bajorek advises new players to build up gradually rather than jumping into daily play.
The county's website lists drop-in pickleball at GT Bray Park for $5 per two-hour session. Pricing for the new Lakewood Ranch courts has not been announced.
According to county records, Premier Sports Campus South already generates roughly $45 million in annual economic impact. The north campus expansion adds 111 acres to the existing 127-acre sports hub.
What's next
No official opening date or ribbon-cutting event has been announced for the pickleball courts. Residents can watch for updates from Manatee County Sports & Leisure Services. GT Bray Park remains open for drop-in play at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton.
