More than a game: Pickleball builds community in Butler County
Over the past decade, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the Pittsburgh region. The number of courts across the area is a reflection of that growth.
Butler County alone boasts at least 66 courts across a dozen venues, according to Experience Butler County. The UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park has 19 courts, the Butler YMCA has three, Paul's Pickleball Palace has five and Ritts Park has seven.
“Pickleball in Cranberry Township began in 2015 when pickleball lines were added to existing tennis courts. As the sport's popularity and participation grew exponentially, it quickly became clear that dedicated courts were needed,” said Cranberry Township recreation program supervisor Jimmy Border. “As part of (the Cranberry Foundation) 2017 SportsCourts Project of the Year, 19 dedicated pickleball courts were constructed at Graham Park. The seasonal dome was added a couple years later to allow for year-round play.”
When a sport starts to grow, it is not uncommon for people to question why it has become so popular. Pickleball is no different.
Though the program is open to people of all ages, the early week day sessions at the Butler YMCA are popular among retirees. Nancy Pugh, who plays in the competitive league, said “sociability is a big thing for folks who are retired.”
Pickleball started at the Butler YMCA in 2014. Aquatics and program director Jamie Knauff was there when the program began. Since then, participation has tripled, with the YMCA now offering three different ladder leagues, youth leagues and tournaments.
“It’s a fairly inexpensive sport that is easy enough for everyone to pick up. The sport is broken down into ability levels pretty much anywhere you play, therefore everyone can be included,” Knauff said.
Cranberry Township supervisor Bruce Mazzoni shared similar thoughts on why the sport has become so popular. He highlighted what the Cranberry Township Pickleball Association is doing to help grow the game.
“It is easy to learn. Our Beginners PB-1 program has taught over 2,500 people to play the game. It is a four-part series of 90-minute lessons,” Mazzoni said. “About 50% can play on a very basic level within 90 minutes and about 85% are playing good beginner pickleball by the fourth part of the program.”
The YMCA also offers a program for beginners called Hit and Giggle, along with clinics. Since all of its courts are indoors, the YMCA is able to host leagues, programs and tournaments throughout the year.
“Our outdoor season runs from mid-April through mid-October, during which time all 19 courts at Graham Park are in use. During the winter, from mid-October through mid-April, our seasonal dome provides six indoor courts for year-round play,” Border said. “We host three one-day tournaments in May, June and August, along with two larger weekend tournaments in June and September that attract players from throughout Western Pennsylvania and surrounding states.”
Members at the YMCA enjoy playing indoors because they can play all year round and in any type of weather. Pugh said, “the best part about being inside is being out of the sun and having AC.”
Competition can divide people or bring them together, but pickleball has become an activity that builds community regardless of skill level.
“Pickleball brings people together through what we like to call the three F's: fun, fitness and friends,” Border said. “People come for the game but often stay because of the relationships they build. Many lifelong friendships have started on our courts.
“At the same time, players are getting excellent exercise. It's common to get 10,000 steps during a two-hour session and, most importantly, everyone is having fun.”
The sport also brings together different generations, with the YMCA offering programs for children ages 10 and older. According to Knauff, the average age of participants ranges from about 35 to 65, and she has seen many groups and lasting friendships form through the program.
Darla Somerville enjoys playing at the YMCA because it brought her out of her comfort zone and allowed her to try something new. “The leagues are a mix of all ages and you get to meet a lot of different people,” she said.
Kay Heineman joined the YMCA’s recreational pickleball sessions 4 years ago as a complete beginner. She emphasizes that the sport is meant to be fun and enjoyable and it is OK to make mistakes as long as you laugh.
“If you don’t laugh, you’re playing it wrong” said Heineman.
Cranberry Township also hosts several tournaments throughout the summer, beginning in May and ending in September. According to Mazzoni, one tournament has drawn as many as 700 participants, and across the five summer tournaments, the township expects to attract about 1,200 players from more than 20 states and Canada.
“Many members have developed close friends that include them meeting off the court or even traveling on vacations together,” Mazzoni said. “There is a real passion for pickleball that gives people purpose.”
Pam Kaylor has been playing at the YMCA for four years and has made many friends. “These are some of the best people to play with and you make a lot of good friends,” said Kaylor.
Keeping the facilities in good condition is also an important part of maintaining that sense of community.
“Maintaining 19 outdoor courts and our seasonal indoor dome is truly a team effort. Our Public Works department does an outstanding job keeping our facilities in top condition, while dedicated volunteers assist with many seasonal projects,” Border said. “Our members take pride in keeping the courts clean and welcoming, which speaks to the strong sense of community that has been built.”
Border added that Cranberry Township plans to resurface 13 of its 19 courts during the first two weeks of August, which could affect a one-day tournament scheduled for Aug. 15.
