The Southside Virginia Family YMCA officially broke ground today on two new outdoor pickleball courts at the YMCA campus in Farmville, marking a significant investment in healthy living, community engagement and recreational opportunities for residents across the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together YMCA board members and staff, representatives from the Central Virginia YMCA, project partners, donors and community supporters to celebrate the start of construction on a project designed to meet growing demand for pickleball while creating new opportunities for people of all ages to connect through active recreation.
Construction will begin this week, and is expected to take approximately 6 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Once finished, the YMCA campus will feature two dedicated pickleball courts while maintaining an existing basketball court to continue serving multiple recreational interests.
The project is made possible through the generous support of several key partners and donors, including a $25,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Foundation, contributions from Vannoy Construction and support from Trey and Kristin Gee and their family foundation.
Representatives from Dominion Energy Foundation, Vannoy Construction and the Gee family joined YMCA leadership at today's ceremony to celebrate the community partnership that made the project possible.
"Today's groundbreaking represents more than the addition of new courts," said Chuck Taylor, Southside Family YMCA Board Chair. "It represents our commitment to creating spaces where people can build relationships, improve their health and strengthen our community. Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across all age groups and these new courts will help us serve more individuals and families throughout Southside Virginia."
Vannoy Construction is serving as a key project partner on the development. Victor McBryde, project manager for Vannoy Construction, is coordinating the construction effort and working with subcontractors who are donating time and expertise to support the project.
In addition to the courts, plans include the future installation of lighting to expand playing opportunities during evening hours. The YMCA is also developing future pickleball programming, instructional clinics and organized activities designed to welcome beginners while supporting experienced players.
Upon completion of the project, the YMCA plans to host a community open house and ribbon-cutting celebration to officially open the courts and recognize the partners and donors who helped bring the vision to life.
The new courts align with the YMCA's mission to strengthen community through programs and services that promote healthy living, meaningful connections and opportunities for all people to thrive.