Building a Pickleball Program from the Ground Up: Part 3
It has been a few months now (we started in September) and the Pickleball program at the YMCA has really developed. It is starting to become a bit of a hub for Pickleball activities in the area as more and more people are getting involved (the current count is over 50 and growing). In addition to our ongoing activities such as Monday through Friday open play, a weekly news and notes newsletter and weekly classes the following are updates regarding new initiatives and what is being explored for the future.
Updates since our last entry
We had our first monthly (or bimonthly) end of the month Pickleball party. In addition to of course plenty of food and open play, we also had skills competitions and prizes awarded provided by the YMCA. Despite the rainy weather we still had over 30 members attend the Friday evening party.
By a vote of the attendees the group decided on a name: The YPC (YMCA Pickleball Club).
In addition to the weekly beginner fundamentals course we now also have a Shot of the Week class for intermediate to high intermediate players. Both have been consistently well attended and as we move into the Winter session, there are plans to add new classes.
We started our first doubles pickleball ladder. We have 10 teams and they have been playing regularly.
Because of increased participation the YMCA has invested in better nets, paddles and more balls.
What is being explored as next steps:
The process has begun to explore a location and funding for the building of Pickleball courts at the facility.
An expanded ladder: singles, beginner doubles, and intermediate doubles.
Additional level based small group classes.
Fitness class open to all YMCA members.
An ability level evaluation program.
A county wide Pickleball tournament.
With the YMCA program’s organized activities, it is starting to become a hub for Pickleball in the area. Currently this is happening without much if any marketing of the program. Until the facilities are improved (courts with more surface than cracks) it will be difficult to expand thus participation may have to be limited. With any kind of marketing the growth in numbers may be unmanageable without facility improvements. With the ever increasing numbers of participants and interested individuals, the case is being made for the investment.
Joe
