On Thursday, June 27, the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center in Hopkinton held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate eight new pickleball courts at their East Street complex. This exciting addition marks another milestone in the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to enhance community facilities and foster social connections.
MetroWest YMCA CEO Rick Macpherson expressed his enthusiasm for the new courts, emphasizing their role in building a vibrant community. “These courts aren’t just facilities. They will be a place for people to come with their friends to build relationships, stay fit, and build a community,” Macpherson said.
Macpherson’s vision extends beyond Hopkinton to include residents of Ashland, Framingham, Sherborn, and the surrounding region. “We couldn’t be more proud of it. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the YMCA board of directors who had the wisdom to invest in this space and to everyone who made this project possible, including our generous donors.”
Macpherson highlighted the courts as a testament to the strong, interconnected community being built in the region. “We celebrate not only the opening of these courts but also the vibrant and thriving community we continue to build together across Hopkinton, Ashland, Sherborn, and Holliston. These courts will be a real testament to that.”
Bartt Pinchuck, Executive Director of the year-round Outdoor Center, shared insights into the bustling activity at the YMCA. “This was the first full week of camp with 469 campers, and in two weeks, it will grow by 200 more. It’s certainly a busy place,” Pinchuck remarked.
The courts will open to members starting Monday, July 1, and will follow the pool hours throughout the summer. There will be a schedule for basketball and family time open. For pickleball play, it’s going to be a first-come, first-served. They’ll have a racking system if the courts get full.
Kelly Grill, Executive Director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) and member of the Board of Directors for the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, shared her excitement for the YMCA’s growth and community impact. Wearing two hats at the event, Grill expressed the Chamber’s pride in their partnership with the YMCA. “We are thrilled to be doing this ribbon cutting for an incredible partner and member of the Hopkinton Chamber. We’ve watched the growth of this amazing organization over the years and are so grateful for all you do for the community.”
Grill also highlighted upcoming events, including the 2024 Wicked Pickle Tournament and the expanded Wicked Weekend this fall (now two weekends). “We love our partnership with the YMCA. Our missions align, and the Y is incredibly open to creative and fun fundraisers,” she said.
This year’s Wicked Weekends will feature a themed “Haunt” at the ropes course and a “Wedding at Deadwoodville,” with Sheriff Bart in a zombie costume. “We are combining it this year with our Wicked Pickle. We had our inaugural Wicked Pickle last year and held it on the tennis courts at the high school, but now we have these gorgeous, new, wicked awesome pickleball courts. And so it’s a costume pickleball concert and a fundraiser for both organizations. We hope you’ll join us for a wicked good time!,” added Grill.
>> RELATED: Run – Don’t Walk – to Deadville
Opening the new pickleball courts at the MetroWest YMCA is more than just a facility upgrade; it’s a celebration of community, fitness, and collaboration. With a busy summer ahead and exciting events on the horizon, the YMCA continues to be a cornerstone for regional growth and connection.
