Sinking Spring YMCA strives to be at ‘center of Berks Pickleball universe’ with opening of new courts

The fastest-growing sport in the United States now has an expanded venue after the Sinking Spring Family YMCA unveiled two new indoor courts last week, giving the Western Berks facility six indoor courts.

“It is our goal and vision to be the indoor Pickleball hub for Berks County,” said YMCA branch executive Bob Root, “bringing families and our community together.”

Pickleball has more than 36 million players nationwide and has grown in popularity by nearly 40 percent over the last two years according to a 2022 report released by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

That’s clear to see at the Sinking Spring facility where players of all ages regularly populated the four existing courts. Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play, and can be enjoyed not only by seniors but people of all ages. A recent study shows that the most popular age group for the sport is 18-34.

Ryan Knarr, director of racquet sports at the Sinking Spring facility, said the YMCA wants to be at the forefront of the sport’s growth to insure itself as the “center of the indoor Pickleball universe” in Berks County.

“The addition of the new Pickleball facility at the Sinking Spring YMCA allows us to grow and evolve the sport for all ages and ability levels for the Berks County community and beyond,” said Knarr.

The YMCA celebrated its Grand Opening of the new courts with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 9. The ceremony included YMCA of Reading and Berks County CEO Phil Borup, YMCA vice president Ken Borkey, Root, YMCA staff members, Pickleball players and local officials. 

“We are very excited to open an additional two Pickleball courts here at the Sinking Spring YMCA,” said Root. “Pickleball fits perfectly with the YMCA’s core values of social responsibility, healthy living, and youth development, as any age can play Pickleball.”

There are now an estimated 35,000 courts in the U.S., more than double the number from five years ago.

Pickleball is considered a cross between ping pong, badminton, and tennis. More and more, older tennis and racquetball players are turning to Pickleball as a way to have fun, satisfy their competitive natures and stay in shape.

Pickleball at the Sinking Spring YMCA utilizes an open play format, which allows players to mix and match with dozens of other players in a session. This social aspect is a big driver behind Pickleball’s explosive growth.

According to a study, Pickleball ranks third in the United States, behind only biking and running, as the most popular participation sport. It ranks ahead of basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, and soccer.

The Sinking Spring facility now features six Pickleball specific hard courts as well as three indoor tennis courts.  The six courts will be utilized for Open Play Pickleball, Pickleball court rentals, group clinics, private instruction, tournaments, and league play offering Pickleball for all ages and ability levels.

The new courts were installed by the Breneman Company of Lancaster, one of the oldest and most well-respected racket sports court builders in Pennsylvania.

The Breneman company has worked to provide the  unique blue on blue customized court surfaces for all three of the YMCA’s tennis courts and its four other Pickleball courts.  

“The opportunity to showcase our facility as the premier indoor Pickleball facility in Berks County to go along with our burgeoning tennis programming is something that shows the evolution of our facility and the commitment we have to our community to give them the best possible programming and opportunities to play Pickleball and tennis during the winter months,” Knarr said.

“We’re excited to continue to evolve and grow our programs and use Pickleball and tennis to bring our community together,” he said.