YMCA OKC’s New Pickleball Facility: Oklahoma City, OK – The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City took a major step forward in supporting the growing interest in pickleball by breaking ground on its first dedicated outdoor pickleball facility on December 4. The new complex, situated next to the Earlywine Park YMCA, marks a milestone for the organization and the sport itself in the area.
A Vision for the Community
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by pickleball enthusiasts, YMCA staff, and key speakers, including Randy and Pati Thurman, longtime supporters of the YMCA and the sport. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the nation,” said Pati Thurman, who is not only a member and donor but also an active player. “It keeps us active, but it’s also good for your mind. We’ve developed friendships and really built a community around this sport.”
The facility, which will be named the Thurman Family Pickleball Center, is set to open in April 2025. The complex will be a dedicated space for the sport, featuring eight outdoor pickleball courts within a 15,600-square-foot facility.
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A Game-Changer for All Ages
Paul Urquhart, Executive Director of Earlywine Park YMCA, expressed his excitement about the project’s potential. “This facility will be a game-changer for our community, offering a place where people of all ages – whether they’re 6 or 96 – can come together to stay active and enjoy pickleball year-round.”
For years, YMCA facilities have accommodated pickleball players in non-specialized spaces such as basketball gyms, multipurpose rooms, and even parking lots. While these spaces have served their purpose, they were not designed with the needs of pickleball in mind. With the Thurman Family Pickleball Center, the YMCA is providing a dedicated venue for the sport, fostering both competitive play and community building.
The YMCA’s Commitment to Growth
Kelly Kay, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, reflected on the importance of this new facility. “For years, pickleball matches have taken place in basketball gyms, parking lots, multipurpose rooms, and even outdoor courtyards at some of our Ys. While these spaces worked, they were never designed with the sport in mind. The Thurman Family Pickleball Center will serve as a home for pickleball – a place where players of all skill levels can come together to learn, compete, build friendships, and grow.”
The project symbolizes the YMCA’s commitment to supporting its community’s evolving recreational needs and providing a space where fitness and social connection can thrive.
News in Brief: YMCA OKC’s New Pickleball Facility
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has broken ground on its first dedicated outdoor pickleball facility at Earlywine Park. The Thurman Family Pickleball Center, set to open in April 2025, will feature eight outdoor pickleball courts in a 15,600-square-foot complex. The facility will provide a year-round space for players of all ages and skill levels, marking a significant milestone for the YMCA and the growing popularity of pickleball.
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