The rhythmic pop-pop-pop of pickleball rackets is a new sound echoing against the backdrop of Longs Peak on a late-summer morning at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center.
The setting is the new pickleball court, recently made possible by a major gift from donors Susan and Marc Vice, and is one of the features of the newly named Vice Family Recreation and Sports Park. During the project, the basketball and tennis courts were refurbished.
On this blue-sky morning, “it’s all local members of the community on the pickleball courts for back-to-back games,” says YMCA of the Rockies General Manager Shannon Jones.
Combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, pickleball is played in singles or doubles and can be played inside or outside.
The Y’s rebuilt Wellness Center opened just weeks ago and includes yoga classes, three massage rooms, and a dedicated meditation space. Classes are first-come, first-served, and they fill up fast.
“Groups come out here for wellness retreats. It’s a build-your-own-adventure where they’ll do our sunrise yoga, take a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, then come back for a sound bath or a massage,” said Nelson.
Although the offerings at the YMCA of the Rockies are modern, its mission has remained the same since 1907: to foster an environment that develops healthy spirit, mind, and body for everyone.
“Our mission remains the same, but the way we approach it has started to evolve,” says YMCA of the Rockies Marketing and Communications Director Jason Nelson. “We have meditation and sustainability programs. There’s new technology, solar power, charging stations—we’re finding new ways of approaching our mission.”
While the pickleball courts are a big draw for the community, some locals are still unaware of the new offerings at the YMCA. “It’s still surprising people in town don’t know what we have to offer. And this is just a snippet of what we have,” said Jones.
What doesn’t the YMCA have? A traditional gymnasium. “The outdoors is our gymnasium.”
There’s been high demand for pickleball, not just in Estes Park, but across the nation. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the past four years. Nationwide, the sport boasts more than 48 million adult players, mainly attributed to its accessibility, low cost, and opportunities for players of all ages.
The YMCA of the Rockies offers pickleball courts and yoga classes to members and provides free access to overnight resort guests. Membership costs $300 per family annually, with day passes priced at $29 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 12. Children five years old and younger can join for free.