According to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association’s most recent report, the sport of pickleball has experienced a 311% increase in participation over the last three years. Those rates remain strong, and experts predict participation could surpass 25 million players by the end of 2026.
With popularity still soaring, the community recreation industry is taking full advantage of the trend.
“At the YMCA of Central Kentucky, pickleball has become one of our most dynamic community experiences,” said Shana Harris, the director of pickleball operations at YMCA of Central Kentucky. “What makes it especially unique at the Y is the way it brings generations together on the same court. Teens, young professionals, parents and active older adults are playing side-by-side, building friendships that might not happen anywhere else. That cross-generational connection is a powerful reflection of who we are and what we strive to create every day.”
Since 2024, the Central Kentucky Y has hosted more than 65 leagues and introduced over 500 individuals in the Lexington, Kentucky, community to the game through beginner clinics, instructional series and open-play orientations.
“Our certified coaches provide intentional instruction and clear pathways for growth, helping players improve while staying rooted in the Y community,” said Harris. “We’ve also expanded our reach through clinics, camps and partnerships with local organizations to further grow the game across the region.
Through the teams integrating pickleball (TIP) program, the Y is also engaging local businesses with a team-building experience offering leadership development, workplace culture enhancement and employee engagement experiences through the sport.
Recently, the YMCA of Central Kentucky partnered with Pickleball Kingdom to offer more YMCA members access to more courts, dedicated open play times and YMCA pickleball leagues.
“It’s been both strategic and beneficial, particularly in strengthening our year-round programming capacity,” said Harris. “During the winter months when outdoor play is limited in our YMCA centers, the collaboration has provided our members with expanded access to high-quality indoor courts. This has allowed us to maintain league continuity, instructional programming and community engagement without seasonal disruption.”
Harris added the partnership has also protected retention, sustained momentum in participation growth and reinforced the Y’s commitment to delivering consistent member value, regardless of weather constraints.
“While we’re sincerely grateful for the expanded winter play opportunities at Pickleball Kingdom, our strategy is complementary — not dependent,” said Harris. “When the weather turns warm, our members will be coming home to the YMCA’s outdoor pickleball center. That facility is the heart of our pickleball community and the physical representation of our long-term commitment to the sport.”
The YMCA of Central Kentucky isn’t the only community rec center capitalizing on the fastest growing sport.
In July 2025, Springfield JCC in Springfield, Massachusetts, opened its new pickleball center featuring eight floodlit outdoor courts and three indoor courts. This combination allows for play every day, year-round.
Evan Pycko, the wellness and recreation director at Springfield JCC, said in addition to free play, the J offers regular clinics for beginners and more advanced players, as well as youth.
“We consistently welcome close to 200 players a week to our indoor courts through the winter month,” said Pycko “This number can triple when the outdoor courts are open. The pickleball courts are clearly meeting a local demand. They’re a popular amenity for our members and a mechanism to attract new visitors to the center.”
The JCC has also been able to use the courts as part of its outreach to the wider community during summer day camp and summer evening programs for young people in the area.
“We’ll continue to build our pickleball program,” said Pycko. “This summer, we hope to introduce more kids to this popular sport and become a prime location for pickleball tournaments and events.”
For other nonprofit rec centers getting into the pickleball craze like the Springfield JCC has, Pycko advised for those teams to first invest in beginner players. This includes running clinics for new players and recruiting great coaches who can explain the general rules and essential skills.
“Balance court time for beginners and more experienced players,” said Pycko. “Closer matchups by ability make for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Harris said the YMCA of Central Kentucky is seeing players of all ages get involved, and members tend to stick with the sport because they see improvement and build relationships right away.
“Looking ahead, our vision is to leverage pickleball not simply as a recreational offering but as a strategic growth platform for the organization,” said Harris. “We plan to continue expanding structured leagues, advanced skill development pathways, youth programming and competitive tournament play.
Harris said unlike sports such as tennis or golf — which can often price individuals out through equipment, court fees or private instruction — pickleball has the unique ability to remain affordable and inclusive.
“Protect that advantage,” advised Harris. “Equally important is culture. If we prioritize accessibility and hospitality alongside competition, pickleball will not just grow — it will thrive as a sport for everyone.”
