The Greater Wichita YMCA will open the “Pickle Center” inside the West YMCA this weekend. According to a news release, “The new pickleball hub will give Y members and guests the entirely new experience of utilizing dedicated regulation pickleball courts for open play, classes, workshops and tournaments.”
Te West Y’s gym has been converted into four 28-foot by 60-foot indoor pickleball courts. The new pickleball flooring is a professional-grade durable pickleball surface that exceeds industry and tournament standards.
“The Greater Wichita YMCA is thrilled to unveil the Pickle Center at the West YMCA to help meet growing demand and further increase the value of our memberships,” said Ronn McMahon, Y president and CEO. “It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to giving our members the consistent and high-quality experiences they want and deserve.”
The public is invited to attend an Open House from 2-5:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 to take a look inside, speak with West Y pickleball ambassadors and participate in scheduled clinics, advanced demonstrations, open play and dinking competitions (advanced sign-up required by calling the West Y at 316-942-2271). There is no charge to attend; non-members can take advantage of a special $0 joiner fee promotion at the front desk or online at ymcawichita.org/join.
The establishment of the Pickle Center falls within the Y’s long-term plan to invest in pickleball beyond the open play schedules currently offered at 10 locations on a combined 24 courts.
“Everything we do is created with scalability in mind so that efforts can be expanded and adapted as community needs evolve and grow,” McMahon said. “Pickleball is just one example of the vision we have for this year and coming years in the areas we serve.”
Earlier this year, the Y announced a larger comprehensive initiative to support youth development, child care and enhancements to facilities within the Wichita metro area. Through multimillion-dollar investments driven by the Y’s Healthy Connections Plan, the Y is significantly increasing its ability to serve a greater number of individuals and families, both within its branches and through programs and services.
The ultimate outcome is to empower healthy lifestyles, strong families and positive youth development FOR ALL in south-central Kansas.
To learn more about the Pickle Center as well as the Greater Wichita YMCA’s entire network of branches, programs and services, go to ymcawichita.org.
