STATE COLLEGE — The sport with the funny name is growing exponentially across the nation as more and more people are picking up pickleball as their recreational opportunity of choice.
Now, players in the Centre County area have a new place to play thanks to the early recognition and hard work of a group of local pickleball enthusiasts.
On July 31, a grand opening was held at the State College branch of the YMCA of Centre County to unveil five new, state-of-the-art pickleball courts. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held and YMCA volunteer pickleball instructors offered brief lessons to newcomers to the sport, as well as veterans of the game looking to improve their skills.
The State College branch has become a hub for the ping-pong/tennis hybrid, offering indoor play on shareduse courts and outdoors on the inline skating rink. But this will be its first dedicated courts designed specifically for pickleball.
This capital project was generously supported by the Louis E. Silvi Foundation and donors from the local community.
Throughout July, the YMCA will offer a special promotion allowing free pickleball play on the new courts for anyone — members or nonmembers. Check-in at the front desk is required, and for more information call (814) 237-7717.
According to a press release, the YMCA said it is looking forward to providing this new facility that will offer opportunities for youth, local pickleball players, pickleball tournaments, and more for the Centre County community.
