Lexington Pilots Pickleball Recycling Program at Kirklevington Park
The rising craze for the sport of pickleball in Lexington, Kentucky, has given birth to the city’s newest recycling initiative at the city’s popular court, Kirklevington Park. The Lexington Parks and Recreation department and the Kentucky Pickleball Association, in partnership with a nonprofit organization, P3 Cares, have embarked on a pilot program to provide facilities for pickleball players to dispose of their used or damaged balls in an environmentally friendly manner.
‘A Little Pilot Program’
Officially launched on Monday, the environmental initiative introduces recycling bins specially marked for pickleball in Kirklevington Park. Chrissie Balding, an environmental initiatives specialist for the city, explained that P3 Cares take on the responsibility of recycling the discarded pickleballs which often can’t be recycled in the same manner as other plastic items due to the hard plastic they are made from.
Balding further added, “We heard about this opportunity through P3 Cares that recycles the balls themselves once they become cracked or broken. Through them and partnership with Lexington Parks and Rec and the Kentucky Pickleball Association, we are doing a little pilot program.”
The Rise in Pickleball Popularity
Pickleball, a fun and engaging sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a significant surge in popularity over recent years. Its ease of play and accessibility for all age groups has attracted a broad demographic of players, from kids to seniors. As a result, the demand for these balls has increased, and consequently, the number of used or broken balls that need disposal.
However, the nature of the plastic used to manufacture pickleballs means that they can’t be disposed of in typical recycling bins. “People have been asking for quite some time if there’s a way to recycle these broken balls, they’re a really hard type of plastic that’s similar to Wiffleballs,” said Balding, “and it’s not the type that can go in your blue cart here in Lexington.”
A Step Towards A Sustainable Future
Through this pilot program, Lexington aims to facilitate a more environmentally-friendly disposal solution for the increasingly popular sport of pickleball. If the pilot proves successful at Kirklevington Park, similar recycling initiatives may be rolled out at other pickleball courts within the city.
As cities across the globe are rallying towards greener initiatives, Lexington has joined the drive by promoting recycling in every aspect of its community life, including its recreation and sporting facilities. The success of the pilot program will send a strong message about the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
This initiative is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving natural resources and reducing its carbon footprint. It’s an innovative step in fulfilling the city’s master plan of offering diverse recreational opportunities while promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle.
