The Sand Lot offers more than beach-style volleyball
Business Spotlight
The Sand Lot owner Claire Rhode gets ready to mix some drinks behind the Sand Bar at her business in Niagara, Wis. The Sand Lot started in 2023 as a place for beach-style volleyball but has added food and drink services and a covered pavilion for hosting events, along with other activities for people of all ages. (Courtesy photo)
The covered pavilion at The Sand Lot in Niagara, Wis., can be used as a venue for such activities as birthdays, wedding receptions, graduation parties and other gatherings. They plan to host a weekly farmers market this year. (Courtesy photo)
An aerial view of the volleyball courts at The Sand Lot in Niagara, Wis. The site also hosts a pickleball league. (Courtesy photo)
The Sand Lot owner Claire Rhode gets ready to mix some drinks behind the Sand Bar at her business in Niagara, Wis. The Sand Lot started in 2023 as a place for beach-style volleyball but has added food and drink services and a covered pavilion for hosting events, along with other activities for people of all ages. (Courtesy photo)
The covered pavilion at The Sand Lot in Niagara, Wis., can be used as a venue for such activities as birthdays, wedding receptions, graduation parties and other gatherings. They plan to host a weekly farmers market this year. (Courtesy photo)
An aerial view of the volleyball courts at The Sand Lot in Niagara, Wis. The site also hosts a pickleball league. (Courtesy photo)
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NIAGARA, Wis. -- When Claire Rhode purchased the property at 690 Main St. in Niagara in 2023, it was just going to be a place for outdoor beach-style volleyball.
Since that time, The Sand Lot has grown to encompass much more.
"When I first started, I played volleyball a lot. The property was for sale. It had been vacant for a while. It was in spring. I thought, 'That's perfect, we can put in some sand volleyball courts,'" she said.
They were able to get a liquor license as they started hosting adult leagues.
"From there, it's really been a passion project. It's something that really benefits the community," Rhode said.
They have added a small building that sells a variety of food, a counter for serving drinks -- called, of course, the Sand Bar -- and a covered pavilion that can be used for outdoor events such as graduation parties, weddings and other gatherings.
They host children's holiday parties like Boo Fest and also show children's movies. There is a playground and youth volleyball leagues as well, with youth tournaments set for June 21 and July 18.
All high school teams and players can play for free at The Sand Lot, she advises on their Facebook page.
The latest addition to The Sand Lot will be a farmers market from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, starting May 21 and continuing into fall.
Rhode decided to start one because some of the other farmers markets aren't being done this year. She is currently seeking vendors. Information is available on their website, https://www.thesandlotniagara.com/. She hopes to have at least 10 stalls each week.
"What's better than getting a cocktail and perusing a farmers market?" Rhode said. "It's just a cool environment for a farmers market. It's super unique."
In addition to the volleyball and pickleball leagues, The Sand Lot will host three "Canvas. Cocktails. Community" sessions with Bright Avenue Art on June 9, July 14 and Aug. 11. These are events where participants can "enjoy guided painting instruction in a laid-back, outdoor atmosphere while sipping your favorite beverage from our fully stocked bar."
Another thing The Sand Lot is becoming known for is line dancing sessions, Rhode said, adding it is open to all ages.
She wants the Sand Lot to be known as a place where children and adults can have fun outside -- a welcoming place for everyone.
"It will keep growing. Every year we'll do something to it because it's something we love," she said.
They can be reached at 906-282-6115 or by email at TheSandLotniagara@gmail.com. They also can be found on Facebook.
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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.