Much like pickleball a few years ago, now the sport of padel is making huge inroads across the country – including right here in South Florida.
A new facility called The Gables Padel is coming to the greater Coral Gables area along Le Jeune Road near the airport.
The Gables Padel is under construction at 1001 Northwest 42nd Avenue. That spot is the site of a former auto sales lot.
There will be eight courts at The Gables Padel as well as a clubhouse. Besides having courts available to local padel players, they will also offer lessons in the growing sport.
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed court with walls on all sides. The game blends elements of tennis and squash and the court walls are in play, allowing ricochet shots. It is played with solid rackets with perforations and a special padel ball.
The sport originated in Mexico back in 1969.
No opening date has been announced, but information on social media says they are hoping to open sometime this month.
(Image at top: The Gables Padel)