Walker planning commission approves All In Pickleball gym at Greenridge Square

The City of Walker Planning Commission voted Dec. 17, 2025 to approve a special land use request from All In Pickleball to open an indoor pickleball facility at 555 Center Drive Northwest in the Greenridge Square Shopping Center.

City planner Paula Prieby told commissioners the proposed commercial recreation use is permitted in the CPUD district with special land use review and that the space, as designed, requires 38 parking spaces under the zoning ordinance; she said the site has ample parking and staff recommended approval without additional conditions. Prieby said she had contacted the police chief about key-code access and that police had no concerns and would be provided an emergency access code when the facility opens.

Applicant Dan McCaughnan, founder and owner of All In Pickleball Gym, described the layout as roughly 11 courts with restrooms and locker rooms and said the business typically operates 4 a.m. to midnight but requests flexibility for occasional 24/7 reservations using unique code entry. "We typically are 4AM to midnight. We look for 24 hour access," McCaughnan said, adding that reservations generate a unique code and that remote monitoring and a central control center allow the company to provide support when a site is not staffed.

Commissioners asked about future services. Commissioner Rob asked whether a later proposal to sell alcohol would be authorized by this approval; Prieby said any liquor sales or onsite alcohol service would require approval by the City Commission and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

After brief public comment in which a resident said the gym would be a welcome amenity but cautioned about mixing alcohol with an active sport, Commissioner Rob moved to approve the special land use. The motion, seconded by Jacob, passed on a voice vote.

Because staff recommended approval and no additional conditions were imposed by the commission, the applicant may proceed with the planned interior fit-out and work with city staff on the new entrance and striped crosswalk noted in the packet. The commission welcomed the business to Walker.