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Pickleball became the United States’ fastest growing sport in 2023. Here’s where you can play around the Main Line.
While the majority of our nation’s most popular sports were invented before the 20th century even began, this is not so with pickleball. In fact, pickleball first came into existence only a handful of decades prior. Created on Bainbridge Island, WA, in 1965, the game is estimated to have 4.8 million players and was named the fastest growing U.S. sport in 2023, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Interested in trying your hand at pickleball? Here’s where you can join the fun in the Main Line region before courts become to crowded.
Wynnewood Valley Park
1505 Remington Rd., Penn Wynne
Based in Lower Merion, Wynnewood Valley Park is a local pickleball hot zone at which friendly online groups often practice and welcome beginners to the game. Whether you want to go and play with friends or be introduced to the sport by trained professionals during Sunday weekly sessions, this is a great spot for beginner and experienced players alike.
Radnor Activity Center at Sulpizio Gym
125 S Wayne Ave., Wayne
For seasoned pickleball players looking to get private practice time, Sulpizio Gym is the perfect place to hone your game. Here there are four indoor courts that can be rented out at $2 per person per day, with portable nets onsite. Make sure to contact the gym ahead of time if you plan on playing here.
Bounce Pickleball
10 North Morehall Rd., Malvern
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Opened just this year and featuring 16 full-size courts, Bounce Pickleball is a state-of-the-art facility. Memberships range anywhere from $75 per year to $3,450 a year for the Founder’s Membership. If spontaneity if more your style, Bounce also offers $20 non-member sessions for those who know someone affiliated with the club.
Clem Macrone Park
810 Conestoga Rd., Bryn Mawr
Located in Bryn Mawr, Clem Macrone Park’s tennis courts also have pickleball lines and are open to the public. That said, the courts are first come, first served, so you’re out of luck if the courts are in use upon arrival.
Warren Filipone Park
400 S. Devon Ave., Wayne
Also located on tennis courts at Warren Filipone Park, the lines of these pickleball courts are arranged so that they don’t interfere with the nets already in place for tennis. Thus, any pickleball players must bring and construct their own nets. There are four courts here and a lot of space, but given the limited amenities, these courts are likely best reserved for experienced players.
Next Level Indoor Sports
50 Senn Dr., Chester Springs
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Next Level Indoor Sports has a wide variety of facilities for pickleball, soccer and more. The venue hosts league play on weekends, with three courts for the public to rent. Rates vary from court to court depending on time of day and/or day of the week, but the average rate will run you about $60/court for 90 minutes.
Upper Main Line YMCA
1416 Berwyn Paoli Rd., Paoli
A membership to the YMCA is required to play here, but the fee is worth it to enter pickleball heaven. The Upper Main Line YMCA boasts 15 asphalt courts, three of which are indoors while the other 12 are outdoors. The facility includes restrooms, water, locker rooms, both permanent and portable nets and trainers/lessons. A membership to the Upper Main Line YMCA also includes access to pickleball courts at YMCA’s in West Chester, West Grove, Kennett Square, Coatesville and Exton. In conjunction with the YMCA in Paoli, that membership gives users entry to a total of 43 total courts.
Related: The Pickleball Craze Picks up Around the Main Line
