Padel Square is set to open on February 2 in Garfield Heights, marking Ohio's first facility dedicated to the sport of padel. The complex blends elements of tennis and squash, aiming to become a social and athletic hub. Partners behind the project invited local officials and media for a preview of the new venue.
In Garfield Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Padel Square prepares to launch as the state's pioneering dedicated padel facility. Located at 5700 Transportation Blvd. in the Highland Park business park, the site transforms a former retail area into a modern sports destination. The partners—Matias Iovine, Pablo Salazar, Alejandro Casso, and Jamie Sanchez—first envisioned the project after scouting locations, drawn by the area's accessibility and potential for growth.
Padel, which originated in Acapulco, Mexico, decades ago, combines tennis and squash with strategic wall play. Casso, originally from Mexico, noted the sport's cultural significance there, comparing it to soccer or basketball in the U.S. The partners built the facility to fill a gap, as no suitable venues existed locally. "We were looking for places to play here and couldn't find one. And we say, ‘Why don't we just build the place where we want to play?’" Casso explained.
The facility includes six padel courts, two pickleball courts, a locker room, areas for a drink bar and gym, and a central lounge with seating for watching games or relaxing. Iovine highlighted the dynamic gameplay: "The wall keeps the ball in, and you can play with the wall and off the wall makes it very dynamic."
Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke, a tennis enthusiast, joined a demonstration and praised the addition. "I had a blast," he said, emphasizing the city's strategic location with 180,000 daily cars crossing the nearby 480 bridge, ideal for attracting visitors. Janice Tubbs, the city's assistant economic development director, described Padel Square as a community asset that will boost foot traffic and quality of life. "This development is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant business environment," she stated.
An invite-only ribbon-cutting occurs on January 31, ahead of the public opening. The partners anticipate padel complementing the rise of pickleball, appealing to racket sports enthusiasts seeking variety. Casso expressed optimism: "We're looking forward to people having fun, coming together for the love of the sport."