Pickle Center at the West YMCA Wichita

Tennis and Ping Pong Combined for a Whole Lot of Active Fun

We are pleased to offer open court PICKLEBALL at most of our locations with more
hours and options coming soon. Come enjoy this fast, fun, friendly sport.

While we are still implementing pickleball at some locations and these schedules are
subject to change - we currently offer pickleball as follows:

  • POSTED TIMES Courts will be set-up/play ready with staff available for equipment/play orientation
  • UPON REQUEST Courts can be set up during "open court" time
  • OPEN COURTS Most locations will offer additional pickleball time when our camps and sports are between seasons

Pickleball is free for members. Community participants can play with a Guest Pass.

 

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Pickle Center at Greater Wichita YMCA

THE PICKLE CENTER

The West YMCA now offers this state-of-the-art facility includes access to four indoor pickleball courts (28’x60’). The courts feature a professional-grade surface that exceeds the industry and tournament standards that all pickleball enthusiasts and professional athletes love. The new Pickle Center is another benefit of your YMCA membership at no additional charge!

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FAQs

Pickleball is relatively new at the Greater Wichita YMCA - these are the most common questions asked. Have a different one? Ask at any Welcome Desk or use our CONTACT US form.

What is Pickleball?

A relatively new phenomenon - pickleball was invented near Seattle, Washington in 1965. Pickleball combines the elements of many racket and paddle sports including badminton, ping-pong, and tennis. The core elements of the game consist of a court (smaller in width and length than a tennis court) with a slightly lower net. There can be either one (singles) or two (doubles) players on each side of the net. Players use paddles (larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets) and a molded, plastic ball (similar to a Wiffle ball) to serve and volley for points. Like in tennis, scoring is based on the ball being "in" or "out" when it touches the ground and the opposing players ability to "return" the ball (put it back over the net) before or after just one touch of the ground. The total points needed to win and/or tournament rules will vary by location and competitive level.

DO I HAVE TO OWN MY OWN EQUIPMENT TO PLAY?

No. Much like basketballs, volleyballs, and some other equipment - we have paddles and balls available to borrow at the Welcome Desk of any location that offers pickleball. Just stop by and give us your photo ID or cell phone as a "deposit". You can also purchase pickleball equipment from several retail stores in the Wichita-area and/or online.

HOW ARE YOUR COURTS SET-UP AND MARKED?

Our pickleball courts are all indoors and are on our hardwood court surfaces (also used for basketball and volleyball). We have taped courts at most locations with netting available in the gyms or at the front desk. Our staff will set up the nets during scheduled play/court time and will assist players who want to put the nets up during open court time, as appropriate.

DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO PLAY AT THE Y?

No. While our members will receive priority access to court time - anyone is welcome to play at our facilities once they qualify for and purchase a Guest Pass. We encourage everyone to consider membership and our income-based pricing is available to all who qualify. Want more details? Contact any Welcome Desk staff member at any location.

CAN I RESERVE A COURT OR PLAY TIME AT THE Y?

Not at this time. While we may add pickleball courts to our reservation system (similar to
our racquetball courts) in the future - we are currently only allowing open court times on a first-come, first-to-play basis. We do encourage players to share the courts and to allow new players to get in the game (similar to our open basketball courts policies). Our staff will be happy to assist when needed.

DO YOU OFFER ANY TEAM / LEAGUE PLAY AT THE Y?

No, but we are seeing more interest from our members and the community to not only offer court time but also some formal play, so we are considering future options. Please let our Welcome Desk or any member of our Sports or Fitness staff know if you're interested in playing on a team or in a league. The more we know about the wants and needs of our players - the better we can serve those needs.

CAN I REQUEST MORE/DIFFERENT HOURS FOR PICKLEBALL?

Absolutely. We're still working on the right amount of time for pickleball at our locations and getting input from those who want to and do play will be helpful. Just talk with the Welcome Desk staff or any member of our staff - you can also use our CONTACT US form to submit a suggestion.