Orlando Entrepreneur Converts Nightclub Into Pickleball Epicenter
Situated at 4141 John Young Pkwy. in Orlando, ClearOne Sports Centre isn’t merely a pickleball facility – it symbolizes a noteworthy success narrative in Central Florida. The journey commenced when a nightclub proprietor opted to exchange pulsating beats for pickleball action.
For an impressive 38 years, John Gardner curated the iconic downtown Orlando dance venue, Barbarella, renowned for its 80s/new wave ambiance. Yet, in 2021, the pandemic orchestrated a silent interlude in the once vibrant musical narrative.
Pickleball Answers The Call
Confronted with the looming closure of Barbarella, Gardner, averse to retirement, sought a new endeavor for an active lifestyle. Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, became his chosen pursuit. Gardner fine-tuned his skills at ClearOne Sports Centre, the very establishment that would morph into his newfound passion project.
Upon learning the facility was available for purchase, Gardner swiftly seized the opportunity. “I only played 30 times before I found it was for sale and decided this is for me, and I’m going to buy the place, and that was two years ago,” Gardner disclosed.
Upon acquisition in 2022, the facility grappled with the lingering effects of the pandemic. While Gardner’s initial investment didn’t yield instant results, two years later, the statistics portray a different narrative. Revenues witnessed an impressive 80% surge, and daily attendance escalated from 120 to a noteworthy 200.
Substantial Enhancements
ClearOne Sports Centre underwent substantial enhancements, encompassing revamped plumbing, an upgraded air conditioning system, and the incorporation of two permanent courts, amplifying the total to 13
Looking ahead, Gardner is unwavering in his commitment to the facility’s enduring prosperity. “I’m here to stay. I’m not going anywhere. I’m having the time of my life,” he affirmed.
For those yearning for nightclub nostalgia, Gardner hasn’t severed ties with his roots completely. Each Saturday night, ClearOne hosts an 80s/new wave dance party, paying homage to Gardner’s downtown Orlando legacy.
ClearOne Sports Centre
ClearOne Sports Centre stands as a testament to entrepreneurial resilience and an unforeseen odyssey that saw a nightclub proprietor repurpose a muted dancefloor into a bustling pickleball sanctuary. Venture to ClearOne Sports Centre at 4141 John Young Pkwy. for open play, ladder leagues, tournaments, lessons, and more – a testament to the thriving pickleball scene in Orlando.
Park Ave Magazine
If you would like to be a part of the conversation with Park Ave Magazine, be sure to check out our newest blogs, articles, food reviews, and events going on in our local community. Park Ave Magazine is full of fun and exciting articles, art, photography, and trivia about the city and Central Florida. We want to thank everyone who has put time and effort into make Park Ave Magazine a household name. We encourage all of our local friends to do their part to keep us updated with information because we want you to tell us what you would like to see us cover.
With new events, articles, and information being released on a regular basis, sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with all the exciting news. Meet all the wonderful people that make Winter Park, Orlando, and the areas around Central Florida an incredible place to work, play, and live. Check it out yourself at https://parkavemagazine.com/
