New Padel Facility Proposed For Doral

A new padel sports facility could soon open its doors in Doral, as part of a proposal headed to the city council on April 16.

The agenda includes a request for a special exception use permit submitted by Blas Sanchez, a Miami-based padel club operator, who plans to launch “Smash Padel Courts” at 8080 N.W. 58th Street.

If approved, the facility would span more than 5,000 square feet and feature seven courts for play. The two-acre site is owned by CCD PR NO 11 LLC, a Coral Gables-based company with Jose Valle listed as its registered agent. To move forward, the project requires a change in land use designation—from industrial to assembly—to allow for the creation of a recreational venue.

According to a letter of intent submitted by Sanchez on September 30, 2024, the project involves only interior renovations.

“This project is strictly an interior remodel, with no alterations or renovations planned for all exterior areas, including façade, existing landscape, existing parking areas, or fencing,” the letter states.

The planned renovation will transform the existing 36,612-square-foot warehouse while keeping much of its original infrastructure intact, including lighting, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire sprinklers. The updates would include a new entrance door and a modern air conditioning system.

The application identifies CCD PR NO 11 LLC’s shareholders as Oscar and Alejandro Vazquez. The project’s site plan, spanning 19 pages, was prepared by local architect Oscar Posada. A public hearing on the proposal will be held at the City of Doral Government Center Council Chambers, located at 8401 N.W. 53rd Terrace.

Padel continues to grow in popularity across South Florida, with new facilities opening throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Once relatively unknown in the U.S., the sport has become increasingly popular for its fast-paced gameplay, accessibility, and social nature.

Entrepreneurs and developers have played a key role in this expansion, repurposing industrial, residential, and mixed-use spaces to house new courts—examples include Reserve Padel in Miami, Padel X in Wynwood, and Epic Athletic Club at Sawgrass Mills.

Source: SFBJ