Lexington, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has opened four new pickleball courts at Picadome, a decision driven by the sport’s increasing popularity. This investment is part of a larger initiative that will see the construction of additional courts throughout the city, including plans for a major facility called Pickleball Kingdom set to open in 2025. These developments aim to accommodate the growing number of pickleball players and enhance recreational opportunities for residents.
Lexington Unveils New Pickleball Courts Amid Growing Interest in the Sport
Lexington has officially opened four new pickleball courts at Picadome, marking a significant step in the city’s efforts to cater to the burgeoning pickleball community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Monday, attended by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and members of the city council as part of a broader initiative to enhance recreational facilities city-wide.
The popularity of pickleball is skyrocketing, with participation rates in the United States soaring from 3.3 million in 2018 to an expected 19.8 million by 2024. This surge in interest has prompted Lexington to invest heavily in building new facilities for residents to enjoy the sport.
This latest development is part of a larger project that includes the opening of 20 new pickleball courts and eight tennis courts at Shillito Park, situated close to Fayette Mall. The new courts at Shillito Park are among the most anticipated enhancements in the city’s park facilities. With the allocation of $2.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, Lexington’s Parks and Recreation Department aims to support these constructive recreational advancements.
Following the establishment of the new courts at Picadome and Shillito Park, public access to pickleball courts will expand to 13 city-run parks, along with tennis courts at 15 parks, as part of the upcoming Cardinal Run Park North project. Currently, there are over 50 public pickleball courts available throughout Fayette County, showcasing the city’s commitment to promoting this fast-growing sport.
Local organizations, such as the West Side Pickleballers, have played a crucial role in making pickleball more accessible to the community. These organizations have contributed significantly to increasing public interest and participation in the sport. The importance of parks in fostering both physical activity and mental well-being was emphasized by the Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, who highlighted the integral role of recreational spaces in community health.
Additionally, a new facility called Pickleball Kingdom is set to debut in Lexington’s Commons in the summer of 2025. This expansive complex will cover 42,300 square feet and feature 17 professional-grade indoor courts, positioning it as the premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts in Central Kentucky. Developed by Pickleball X Equity, Pickleball Kingdom will aim not only to provide excellent recreational amenities but also to integrate entertainment and community engagement.
The impending launch of Pickleball Kingdom is expected to create employment opportunities and contribute to local economic growth. Comprehensive membership options will be available, catering to individuals, teams, families, and students, further inviting a diverse range of participants to join in the sport.
In summary, Lexington’s investment in pickleball courts and facilities reflects the city’s acknowledgment of the sport’s rising popularity and its dedication to promoting active lifestyles among residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new developments in pickleball courts in Lexington?
Lexington has opened four new pickleball courts at Picadome and plans to launch Pickleball Kingdom in 2025 with 17 indoor courts, in addition to multiple outdoor courts at various parks.
What is the significance of the new pickleball courts?
The new courts support the growing interest in pickleball across the U.S., which is projected to have nearly 20 million players by 2024, and aim to promote physical and mental health in the community.
How has the city funded the new facilities?
Lexington’s Parks and Recreation Department has allocated $2.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to develop the new recreational facilities.
When will Pickleball Kingdom be completed?
Pickleball Kingdom is expected to open in the summer of 2025 and will feature state-of-the-art facilities for pickleball enthusiasts.
Key Features of Lexington’s Pickleball Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Courts at Picadome | Four new pickleball courts opened |
| Shillito Park Facilities | 20 pickleball courts and 8 tennis courts planned |
| Investment | $2.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act |
| Increase in Public Facilities | Public pickleball courts at 13 parks, tennis courts at 15 parks |
| Pickleball Kingdom | 42,300 square feet with 17 indoor courts, opening in 2025 |
| Membership Options | Individual, team, family, and student rates available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Dining Experiences Flourish in Lexington This Summer
Paving Work Scheduled for Shillito Park Road in Lexington
Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Officials Cut Ribbon to New Pickleball Courts at Picadome
- PR Newswire: Pickleball Kingdom Location Announced in Lexington, KY
- WKYT: New Taproom & Indoor Pickleball Facility Open in Lexington This Spring
- Lane Report: Pickleball Kingdom Opening State’s Largest Indoor Venue in Lexington
- Spectrum News: Lexington Pickleball Pro
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Google Search: Pickleball in Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Pickleball Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- Google News: Pickleball Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
