BETTENDORF, Iowa — The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley is announcing the addition of four new pickleball courts at the Bettendorf YMCA Sports Center on Middle Road. The Y says it plans to add the courts later in the fall.
The courts will be equipped with a state-of-the-art flooring system for durability and high performance. They will be indoors in a climate-controlled environment so players won't need to worry about the weather.
While the courts will only be available for YMCA members initially, it says it will eventually host tournaments, leagues, and special events. The new courts will cater to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the nation and it's continuing to grow in the Quad Cities. The popularity can partially be attributed to its accessibility. Pickleball is a blend of table tennis, badminton and tennis and is played on a court smaller than a traditional tennis court. The tools used to play pickleball are lighter in weight than tennis, making the sport even more accessible.
“The YMCA is about serving people and bringing the community together," Josh Whitson, spokesperson for YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley, said. "We are excited to add these courts later this fall because we know this will create more opportunities for not only the great pickleball community we have in the Quad Cities, but also for future pickleballers from youth to seniors who will be introduced to the sport through this addition.”
Currently, the YMCA has indoor pickleball courts at the Bettendorf Y, West Family Y, North Family Y, R. Richard Bittner Y, North Scott Y and Maquoketa YMCA locations.