'Eatertainment' venue with pickleball, bowling to open first Ohio destination
WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- An "eatertainment" venue known for a mix of food and recreation, including activities like pickleball and bowling, announced plans for the company's first Ohio destination in Columbus.
Smash Park is beginning construction this summer on a 50,000-square-foot central Ohio venue in the Westar Place business district in Westerville. The new destination will mark the Iowa-based company's first Ohio location, with other venues in Des Moines; Roseville, Minnesota; and La Vista, Nebraska.
"We carefully consider each new location, and the Columbus metro is a diverse and active community, perfectly suited for the booming sport of pickleball," said Smash Park CEO Monty Lockyear. "The community has been so welcoming, and we can’t wait to bring our unique mix of food, drinks, entertainment and recreation to Westerville."
Smash Park is beginning construction this summer on a 50,000-square-foot central Ohio venue in Westerville. (Courtesy Photo/Smash Park) 
Smash Park is beginning construction this summer on a 50,000-square-foot central Ohio venue in Westerville. (Courtesy Photo/Smash Park) 
Smash Park is beginning construction this summer on a 50,000-square-foot central Ohio venue in Westerville. (Courtesy Photo/Smash Park)
The venue will feature more than 30,000 square feet of indoor space home to pickleball courts, a full-service restaurant, a 21-and-over axe-throwing "Paddle Club," duckpin bowling and two private karaoke "Sing Suites." There will be space for private events to host from five to 500 people.
Smash Park 15,000-square-foot outdoor space will include two pickleball courts, outdoor shuffleboard, bocce ball, a premier patio, rooftop bar, televisions and yard games. Pet-lovers will find dedicated dog space adjacent to a dog-friendly outdoor patio.
The Westerville destination will host weekly leagues for pickleball, cornhole, darts, duckpin bowling and axe-throwing. The recreation area will be equipped for nighttime entertainment such as glow pickleball and glow dodgeball. In addition, Smash Park will be the go-to place for weekly events such as trivia, themed tournaments, and its popular Brunch Bingo.
Smash Park is planning to hire more than 100 employees and expects more than 500,000 visitors annually, with an anticipated opening date of summer 2025.
"Westerville is home to a number of corporate headquarters, and this is exactly the type of amenity those businesses have requested," said Rachel Ray, City of Westerville Economic Development Director. "With its event spaces and team-focused games, we’re confident that Smash Park will become a go-to destination."