Pickleball’s Rise in Boothbay: Pickleball has taken Boothbay by storm, with players of all ages and backgrounds embracing the sport. The Boothbay Region YMCA has become a hub for enthusiasts, with its parking lot packed Monday through Saturday as players gather for matches. Once an obscure game, pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., attracting millions of new players each year.
A Sport That’s Easy to Learn and Fun to Play
For Kirk Ingrassi, pickleball was an unexpected discovery when he moved from Los Angeles to Boothbay in 2022. He had never played before but quickly became hooked.
“I started playing a couple matches, and was hooked. It’s fun, easy to play, good exercise and lots of nice people.” – (Ingrassi)
He now plays six days a week, taking Sundays off because the YMCA is closed and to give his shoulder and knee time to rest. The sport has also led to impressive health benefits—he lost 25 pounds in his first eight months of playing.
Pickleball’s Growth in Boothbay
Pickleball first gained traction in Boothbay in 2014, when players began marking makeshift courts around Boothbay Harbor. Their enthusiasm led to a grassroots effort to build a permanent outdoor pickleball court.
By 2019, their efforts paid off with the construction of a dual-use basketball and pickleball court. As demand for playtime increased, the YMCA also added more courts and improved its facilities.
In 2022, the Boothbay Region YMCA resurfaced its fieldhouse court and upgraded its lighting system. These improvements had an immediate impact. “It was like playing in a cave, the lighting was so bad,” said Merritt Blakeslee, one of the area’s earliest pickleball players.
“This really sparked more people to play inside as the quality of play improved a great deal.” – (Blakeslee)
YMCA’s Role in Expanding Pickleball
Blakeslee played a major role in developing Boothbay’s pickleball scene. He helped lobby for outdoor courts and worked with the YMCA to create structured programs.
Initially, curious runners on the YMCA track would stop to watch games, and players would invite them to join. Today, the sport has grown so much that the YMCA offers programs tailored to different skill levels.
“The YMCA has created programs for the game’s development. So now, there are more opportunities for players with similar levels to play against each other which I think has been a good thing.” – (Blakeslee)
The YMCA now hosts clinics, leagues, and pickleball tournaments. On the first Saturday of each month, newcomers can attend a beginner’s class to learn the rules and fundamentals. Laura Barnard took the class in December and immediately saw the appeal.
“I heard it was fun, and it is. I hope to play three times per week.” – (Laura Barnard)
Why Pickleball Appeals to So Many Players
The sport has also drawn in players from other sports. Sally Barter, a lifelong tennis player, enjoys how flexible and social pickleball is.
“The fact is you can arrive at either 8 (a.m.) or 10 (a.m) and play two hours. I also like the camaraderie.” – (Sally Barter)
The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in boosting interest. Andy Hollon, who moved from Austin, Texas, to Southport in 2021, discovered pickleball when looking for safe, socially distanced activities.
“I was here four to five months before I found the game. I played with some guys who chalked off an outdoor court in their neighborhood.” – (Andy Hollon)
Hollon is now Boothbay’s USA Pickleball Ambassador, helping expand programs by working with community centers, clubs, and recreational facilities.
YMCA Continues to Invest in Pickleball’s Growth
The YMCA has made significant investments to keep up with demand. In 2022, a major renovation included resurfacing the courts and improving the lighting system.
“It was important investment for our community to improve the overall facility and field house. As pickleball began to grow, we wanted to become more involved in growing the sport,” said Boothbay Region YMCA Director of Operations Lisa McIntosh.
“Merritt did a lot in growing the sport, and when it arrived at the Y, we knew we had to manage it, and create more programs for continued growth.” – (Lisa McIntosh)
McIntosh emphasized that the YMCA’s goal is to become the top pickleball facility in Maine.
“I think the new lights and resurfaced courts really was a big boost in the game. It was like playing in the cave. The improvements really made a difference and created a more enjoyable game.” – (Blakeslee)
The YMCA now offers a statewide league for top players, a summer pickleball camp, and a doubles tournament. Their programs attract over 300 players annually, proving that pickleball is more than just a passing trend.
The Future of Pickleball in Boothbay
As the sport continues to grow, Boothbay is establishing itself as a pickleball hotspot in Maine. The community’s dedication to the game has turned the Boothbay Region YMCA into a center for players of all levels.
For those who haven’t yet tried the sport, now might be the time to pick up a paddle and join the action. After all, it’s never too late to learn why you need to stay out of “The Kitchen,” what it means to be “Erned (Ernied),” and what it takes to become a banger.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Rise in Boothbay
Pickleball is rising in Boothbay, Maine, with the Boothbay Region YMCA leading the charge. Thanks to new pickleball courts, upgraded lighting, and organized programs, participation has surged. The YMCA now offers clinics, leagues, and tournaments for all skill levels, making it a top pickleball destination in the state.
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