Pickletopia’s Lisa Krawetz, Debbie Cagnina and Trevor Smith are among the first instructors to provide lessons and clinics at an Ybor City warehouse run by the Tampa Pickleball Crew.
That 28,000-square-foot open-air facility, located off E. Second Avenue and owned by Gas Worx developer Darryl Shaw, has eight courts and is open daily for members, drop-ins and players in round-robin leagues.
The Pickletopia trainers relish using that facility and are graciously welcomed by the co-owners of Tampa Pickleball Crew — Kayla Goldman, Dene Williamson, Susan Forsyth and Jennifer Plummer.
“Their team is very kind and experienced. They bring a great environment with people that they work with,” Goldman said.
“We’re in the process of growing with them,” Krawetz said. “We’re their biggest cheerleaders.”
Laurie Winters is among many currently taking instructions from the Pickletopia staff.
“They taught me so much,” adding that the Ybor facility is “so cool. I hate the sun and it’s out of the sun.”
Lindsey Dewey brings a group from a Jewish synagogue in Tampa to train with the Pickletopia staff once a month. She has taken a handful of lessons, saying Krawetz “could not be more welcoming. She meets you where you are. She makes things fun and engaging.”
Pickletopia instructors have provided lessons to players at other locations such as McFarland Park, but now they mostly are at the Ybor facility.
“Playing and teaching at the new Ybor warehouse is a fun and unique experience,” said Cagnina, adding that the Tampa Pickleball Crew staff “is friendly and accommodating. I would highly recommend checking out their new facility.”
Krawetz echoed that sentiment.
“I absolutely love the vibe. Everyone is so nice and friendly and I love the industrial cool decor. It is really awesome that they are the only covered courts in Tampa, so you can play your best pickleball game without the stress of wind, rain or being out too long in the sun.”
Like some people who marvel at the expanse of the warehouse upon their first visit, Smith is equally enamored.
“They’ve masterfully transformed a classic Tampa warehouse into the ultimate pickleball haven; preserving its industrial soul with original steel girders and lofty metal roof. It’s this unique setting where we, at Pickletopia, thrive on hosting our events, clinics and lessons.
“Speaking from the heart, it’s a privilege to complement such a cool venue with our passion for pickleball, creating an atmosphere that is both fun and welcoming.”
BY STEVE LEE
Times Total Media Correspondent
Photos courtesy of Pickletopia