The new pickleball courts at the YMCA of West Chester.
WEST CHESTER — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is set to unveil its new indoor pickleball courts at the West Chester Area YMCA, 605 Airport Road, West Chester, on Monday, April 26 at noon during its “First Serve Pickleball Court Opening Ceremony.” Pickleball, which is currently the fastest growing sport in the U.S., is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong.
Denise Day, President and CEO of YGBW and Laura Schofield-Pierson, Executive Director of the West Chester Area YMCA, will both offer remarks during the event on Monday followed by a countdown to the first official serve. YGBW members will then take to the courts to play with staff providing demonstrations on how to play pickleball. All are welcome to attend by RSVPing here. All COVID safety precautions are being followed and masks are required to attend.
These are the first of many new pickleball courts—both indoor and outdoor—that YGBW is installing in seven of its Chester County branches. Over the next few months, official outdoor pickleball courts will be installed at the Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA and Upper Main Line YMCA, while the outdoor courts at the Brandywine YMCA will be renovated. Additionally, at the Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA and Oscar Lasko YMCA, the gymnasium floors are being resurfaced to create indoor pickleball courts with official court markings and color-coded kitchens. With both indoor and outdoor courts, members will be able to play year-round.
“More and more of our members have been playing pickleball in our gyms for a few years now,” says Day. “Given their interest, and the growing popularity, we wanted to invest in providing official pickleball courts and offering opportunities for more YGBW members to learn how to play. It’s a great way for people to stay active, have fun and spend time with family and friends.”
Pickleball brings people together, as it is a multi-generational sport that can be played by all ages and abilities. It is quick to learn and affordable to play. “While pickleball’s popularity is surging in the 55 and older age group, it’s becoming just as popular with younger people and families. The best part of the sport is that it is something everyone can play and that families can enjoy together. I’m excited to help people fall in love with the sport,” says Michelle Smith, YGBW’s pickleball coordinator, who is expanding the organization’s pickleball offerings with lessons, classes, leagues, clinics and more.
YGBW currently offers open pickleball play at multiple branches for its members and no equipment or prior experience is required. Paddles are available for use and a rotation system is used to ensure everyone is welcome to play. To learn more, visit ymcagbw.org/pickleball.
