Wilbraham YMCA to Add Two Dedicated Pickleball Courts Following Zoning Board Approval

AEL and Berkshire Design Group assisted with the Design and the Special Permit for the new program amenity, with paving expected to begin the week of August 24

WILBRAHAM, Mass. — The Scantic Valley YMCA, located in Wilbraham, MA,  is moving forward with plans to create two dedicated pickleball courts, expanding recreational opportunities for members and providing much-needed space for one of the area’s increasingly popular activities.

The courts have received the necessary approvals, and paving is expected to begin the week of August 24. The project will renovate a portion of the YMCA’s existing parking area to create the two courts while maintaining parking for members and visitors. A final completion date has not yet been determined.

ArchitectureEL guided the project through the Zoning Board Special Permit process, assisting the YMCA in obtaining the necessary approvals and moving the project toward construction.

Currently, YMCA members interested in playing pickleball use space inside the gymnasium, which is also shared with basketball and other activities. As participation has grown, scheduling and available gym space have become increasingly limited. Creating a dedicated outdoor area for pickleball was therefore an important priority for the YMCA.

The two new courts will be available exclusively to YMCA members, offering players a dedicated place to enjoy the sport without competing for space with other gym activities.

The project was made possible in part through state funding secured by State Representative Angelo J. Puppolo Jr. The funding provides the YMCA with the resources needed to bring the new courts to fruition and expand recreational opportunities for its members.

“Dedicated pickleball courts will give YMCA members a space designed specifically for the sport while also helping alleviate some of the demand on the gymnasium,” said Dexter Johnson, President & CEO of the Greater Springfield YMCA. “We’re grateful to Representative Puppolo for helping secure the funding to make this project possible and to everyone who helped move the courts through the approval process.”

“Projects like this are about making thoughtful improvements that directly benefit the people who use these recreational spaces,” said Kevin Rothschild-Shea, ArchitectureEL President and Principal Architect. “We were pleased to be a part of it.” 

With approvals secured and paving scheduled to begin, the new courts represent an investment in both the YMCA’s facilities and the experience it provides its members.

Rendering attached. Ribbon cutting details to follow. For more information on this story, please contact meghan@chikmedia.us.

About ArchitectureEL

ArchitectureEL (AEL) is a Massachusetts-based architecture and design firm specializing in multifamily housing, commercial design, community development, and adaptive reuse projects. The firm works with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private clients to create functional, sustainable, and enduring buildings that strengthen communities.

About the YMCA of Greater Springfield

The Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham offers aquatics, wellness, youth programming and community-based programs serving families throughout the surrounding area.

Driven by its founding mission, the YMCA has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and well-being, empower youth, and demonstrate the importance of connections in our community. Learn more at springfieldy.org.