First lower a tennis net a few inches, grab a cross between a regular racket and ping pong paddle, then add a play area the size of a badminton court — and that’s how you make pickleball, the fast-paced game that continues to sweep the nation.
Pickleball by the numbers
Known as the fastest-growing sport in the US, pickleball is a $1.5 billion industry that first got its start in 1965 and has recently skyrocketed in popularity. The numbers speak for themselves:
- 19.8 to 48.3 million — Estimated number of pickleballers in the US
- 311% — Pickleball’s growth in popularity since 2021
- 16,289 — Pickleball facilities in the US
Pickleball comes to LEX
The sport got its start locally ~12 years ago thanks to Ron Eversole, an administrator at Tates Creek Christian Church, who learned about the sport on a trip to Florida. He decided to build a court at the church, encouraged friends to try, and the rest was history.
One of those friends is Dan Ewing, who is now the president of the Kentucky Pickleball Association. “It is the most social sport I have ever played. You have an opportunity to get to know people you otherwise would never cross paths with,” Ewing said.
He added that it is great for all ages as it doesn’t require as much running and power as tennis, but more accuracy and reflexes.
Learn how to play
A great way to dip your toe in the pickleball pool is to join the Lexington Pickleball Facebook group, which is 5,100+ members strong. (Fun fact: When we first wrote this article in May of 2023, that Facebook group only had ~1,400 members.) This is a great place to connect with fellow players of all levels and even find lessons.
Here’s who is giving lessons locally:
- Matthew Mullins at Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
- Dan Ewing at Tates Creek Christian Church
- Larry Roberts, National Pickleball Champion, teaches clinics at River Hill Park
Since each game can be played in about 15-20 minutes, Ewing said it is not uncommon to see folks play 10+ games each night.
Learn by watching the competition at this year’s 2025 Bluegrass State Games tournament Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27.
Shop
Local boutique Birdies & Bows, located at 113 Clay Ave., carries its own line (as well as other brands) of pickleball skorts, tops, and gear like paddles, bags, accessories + themed gifts.
Where to play
While Pickleball Paddock — which opened last year — is the center of LEX’s pickleball scene, Lexington Parks & Recreation has also answered the call to create more accessibility to the sport throughout the city. The following parks have dedicated outdoor courts:
- Gardenside — 1 court
- Kirklevington — 12 courts
- Landsdwone-Merrick Park — 2 courts
- Mount Tabor Park — 1 court
- Meadowbrook — 1 court
- Meadowthorpe Park — 2 courts
- River Hill Park — 4 courts
- Southland Park — 2 courts
- North Lexington YMCA — 10 courts
- Whitaker Family YMCA — 1 court
- Lexington Senior Center/Idlehour Park — 1 court + 1 practice court, reserved for members/guests
- Cardinal Run North — 10 courts, coming soon
The following locations have courts for indoor play:
