The Clark Freeport Zone is set to become a major destination for racket sports enthusiasts following a significant investment in specialized sports infrastructure. The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has officially entered into a P12-million lease agreement with Bandjag Sports & Leisure Inc. to develop a comprehensive pickleball and paddle sports facility.
A Decade-Long Commitment to Sports Development
CDC President Agnes VST Devanadera and Bandjag Sports & Leisure Inc. President Renato Ocampo Tayag III formalized the 10-year agreement on April 14 at the Clark Visitors Center. This partnership marks a strategic move to enhance Clark's recreational offerings and support the growing popularity of paddle sports in the region.
Transforming Industrial Space into Sports Hub
The new facility, to be named Clark Pickleball+, will occupy the former Clark Trading Warehouse along Centennial Road, directly fronting Deco Central. The leased area encompasses 8,443 square meters, consisting of 3,818 square meters of existing warehouse structure and 4,625 square meters of open space. This substantial area allows for a versatile design that will include both indoor and outdoor courts alongside community-focused amenities.
Devanadera emphasized that this project perfectly aligns with CDC's broader vision for Clark's development. "We are creating a different brand for Clark, where sports, light manufacturing, restaurants, and community spaces come together," she stated. "Clark is the right place for everybody, and that is why we are pleased that a pickleball facility is finally opening here."
Comprehensive Sports and Community Facility
Once completed, Clark Pickleball+ will feature an impressive array of sports infrastructure designed to cater to various user groups:
- Eight public pickleball courts for general use
- A central tournament court for competitive play and organized events
- A basketball court that can be converted into four additional pickleball courts
- A private pickleball court for exclusive use
- Dedicated spaces for table tennis and other paddle sports
- A café and pro shop for refreshments and equipment
- Locker rooms and shower facilities
- Flexible multipurpose areas for coaching, training, community events, and corporate activities
The venue is designed to serve beginners, recreational players, and competitive athletes simultaneously. It will function as a hub for tournaments, instructional clinics, and group programs, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for paddle sports enthusiasts.
More Than Just a Sports Venue
Architect Gilbert Medina, one of the incorporators of Bandjag Sports & Leisure Inc., explained that Clark Pickleball+ is envisioned as more than just a sports facility. "Our goal is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for everyone, across all ages, while creating a space that brings families and communities together," Medina said. The facility aims to position itself as a platform for promoting healthy living, community engagement, and sports tourism in Central Luzon.
Riding the Wave of Pickleball Popularity
The timing of this development coincides with pickleball's remarkable growth trajectory both globally and locally. According to the Philippine Pickleball Federation and local sports reports, pickleball has gained steady popularity in the Philippines since its introduction in 2016. The sport attracts players of all age groups due to its accessibility and its unique blend of elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Once operational, CDC expects Clark Pickleball+ to serve residents, workers, and visitors throughout the Freeport Zone. The facility will strengthen Clark's live-work-play environment and help position the area as an emerging hub for sports and active lifestyles in Central Luzon, contributing to the region's economic and social development through sports tourism and community wellness initiatives.
