The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been awarded a capital grant from YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) to support the expansion and improvement of its pickleball program at the Sinking Spring YMCA in response to a growing community demand. The investment will allow the Y to create a dedicated racquet sports wing through the addition of a hybrid court comprised of one tennis court and four pickleball courts.
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country as interest continues to rise locally as does tennis.
At the Sinking Spring YMCA, court time and programs are consistently full, with players of all ages seeking more opportunities to play, learn, and connect. Expanding capacity will help reduce wait times, support additional leagues and events, and create more access for new and returning players.
“This expansion will be a game-changer for accommodating our avid, competitive pickleball players and newcomers learning or improving their game,” said Jesse Whiteman, branch executive director for Sinking Spring YMCA, Sinking Spring, Pa. “It also gives us the launchpad for making additional capital improvements we need.”
Building Renovations to Enhance the Y Experience
Sinking Spring YMCA will move the speed and agility training area, which is currently located where an additional “hybrid” court will be built. The hybrid court will be outfitted with a tennis court and four pickleball courts.
Planned improvements will focus on increasing the number of playable courts and upgrading court spaces to improve play, accessibility and overall experience. The expansion will benefit both pickleball and tennis participants and allow the Y to better serve a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.
Upon completion, the Sinking Spring Y will have a total of four tennis courts and 10 pickleball courts designed to provide a professional-level environment for both sports. The equipment upgrades and improvements planned for all existing and new courts include: Adding an additional tennis court which doubles as four pickleball courts. New sturdy, portable nets for the pickleball courts. New curtains and new benches for all courts.
As part of the grant agreement, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County will launch a fundraising effort to match the Y-USA investment and to improve the facility. Additional details about the campaign will be shared in the coming months as planning continues and renovation costs are finalized.
Open House & Racquet Sports Membership Night: Friday January 9, 2026
To celebrate the growing racquet sports community and invite the public to get involved, the YMCA will host an Open House & Racquet Sports Membership Night on Friday, January 9 from 5- 9 p.m. at the Sinking Spring YMCA. “Our open house is a perfect chance for people to try something new, meet our team, and see what’s coming for racquet sports at the Y,” said Whiteman.
The Member Night is open to anyone interested in learning to play pickleball and for junior tennis players ages 11-18 interested in improving their skills. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet staff, connect with other players, enjoy light refreshments, and take part in open play pickleball and tennis throughout the evening. Information about racquet sports programs for the second half of the season, running January through March, will be available, and discounted registrations will be offered during the event.
More information about the Y’s Open House Racquet Sports Member Night and its programs can be found at ymcarbc.org/racquet-sports.
“Pickleball is bringing people together across generations,” said Phillip Borup, president and CEO, YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “This grant from Y‑USA will let us grow that connection—more courts and better amenities mean more opportunities for families, seniors, youth and everyone in between to be active, social and healthy.” This expansion is another step toward creating inclusive spaces that support physical activity, social connection, and lifelong wellness.
