Publication Date: 02-03-2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bryn Alston
(502) 614-4122
balston@louisvilledowntown.org
PICKLEBALL AND WIFFLE BALL LEAGUE PLAY RETURNING DOWNTOWN THIS SPRING
Baird Urban Sports Park to host extended league play in March
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 3, 2023) – Louisville Downtown Partnership, along with Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Greater Louisville, and Baird, announced the return of Wiffle ball and Pickleball league play beginning in the spring. This year, due to increased demand, there will be double the amount of teams in the Pickleball league. Individuals will have the opportunity to assemble teams for Wiffle ball or Pickleball.
“We decided to fit out this space as an urban sports park in 2022, and with Baird’s support, we were able to create a unique Downtown activity,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of Louisville Downtown Partnership. “Offering additional fields will allow more friends, families, and coworkers to partake in this fun Downtown sports experience.”
League play will be held at Baird Urban Sports Park, 615 W. Main Street. The Wiffle ball league, managed by Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, will be played on Wednesdays, and the Pickleball league, managed by YMCA of Greater Louisville, will be played on Thursdays. League play for both will kick off at 5:30pm, starting on March 15 and 16. Each team will play eight games, with no games occurring the week of April 3 or May 1. All play, including playoff and championship games, will end the week of May 17 and 18.
The expanded Pickleball league will accommodate 24 teams, and the Wiffle ball league will accommodate 7 teams. To register a team, go to louisvilledowntown.org/urbansportspark. Deadline is February 24 or when team slots are full.
“It was great to be a part of the first year at the Baird Urban Sports Park, and we’re truly looking forward to the second Wiffle ball season. Thanks to Baird, the Louisville Downtown Partnership, and the YMCA of Greater Louisville for being such enthusiastic partners. We’re having a lot of fun with the RePurposed space,” said Ozzy Gibson, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation.
The Baird Urban Sports Park is located in the RePurposed event space. Previously an underutilized vacant lot, the park now houses two regulation size Pickleball courts and a Wiffle ball field. The transformation of this part-time sports venue was made possible in the fall of 2022 by Baird’s sponsorship.
“Given our longstanding commitment to Louisville, we are honored to support the second season of the Baird Urban Sports Park and the energy this truly unique space brings to our wonderful Downtown,” said Jim Allen, Vice Chair of Baird.
Also returning this year is open field and court play on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 10am – 2pm. This 20,000 square foot urban space has been used for temporary, pop-up, or short-term activation space. The RePurposed space is available to rent for public and private events. For more information, visit here.
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About LDP
LDP’s mission is to improve the economy of downtown Louisville by promoting the redevelopment, vitality and economic growth of the Central Business District and surrounding areas and to improve Downtown’s quality of life by creating a safe, clean and enjoyable environment.