Lexington Launches Pickleball Recycling Program at Kirklevington Park Amid Rising Popularity of the Sport

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.


Author: HERE Lexington

HERE Lexington

Share
Published by
HERE Lexington

Recent Posts

Lexington’s Street Scene Offers Unique Vintage Shopping Experience This Holiday Season

Lexington is welcoming a unique shopping experience this holiday season at Street Scene, a vintage…

12 hours ago

Potential Changes Loom for Lafayette High School in Lexington

Potential Changes Loom for Lafayette High School in Lexington Lexington, KY - The future of…

12 hours ago

Father Jim Sichko Launches Bourbon Auction to Support Charitable Causes with Signed Pope Francis Bottles

Lexington, Kentucky – A unique initiative has emerged that combines fine bourbon with philanthropy, led…

12 hours ago

Georgetown Approves New Grocery Store and Retail Developments Amid Traffic Concerns

Georgetown has taken a significant step towards expanding its retail landscape with the approval of…

12 hours ago

Lexington Hospitals Earn Prestigious ‘A’ Safety Ratings for Fall 2024

Lexington Hospitals Achieve Top Safety Ratings Lexington, KY – Baptist Health Lexington and Baptist Health…

12 hours ago

Fatal Crash in Gallatin County Involving Dump Truck Claims One Life

Campbellsburg, Ky. — A tragic accident claimed the life of one individual in Gallatin County…

12 hours ago