THE PICKLEBALL CAPITAL OF OHIO

Welcome to Middletown Pickleball Association!

We are the go-to destination for all things pickleball, and we’re excited to share our passion with you. We’ve been playing at Lefferson Park for years, long before pickleball became the coolest sport to play. Our annual tournament is a highlight of the year, and we’re proud to use the funds raised to develop and maintain our 18 pickleball courts.

But we’re much more than just a tournament. We offer a variety of ways to play, including beginner clinics, open play, round robin, leagues, and tournaments. Our membership fees go towards supporting our ongoing activities, which is dedicated to growing the sport of pickleball.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we have something for everyone. Come join us on the courts and experience the thrill of pickleball for yourself. We can’t wait to see you there!

MEDIA COVERAGE

“How Middletown Became The Pickleball Capital Of Ohio”
Written by WVXU

“Did You Know? Middletown is the Pickleball Capital of Ohio!”
Written by the Great Miami Riverway

“Middletown Ohio Celebrates 15 Years of Pickleball”
Written by Fromuth Pickleball

“Middletown – Pickleball Capital of Ohio”
Written by Pickleball Central

The Middletown Pickleball Association is dedicated solely to promoting amateur athletic activities, particularly pickleball, in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The MPA’s mission includes enhancing the sport of pickleball as a tool for sportsmanship, physical health, and enjoyable recreation; encouraging regional amateur sports events in pickleball; upholding and teaching the official rules of the game; organizing and endorsing pickleball tournaments and events; and broadly advocating for pickleball to achieve these goals. Additionally, the MPA engages in other activities permissible for such a nonprofit organization.

The origins of MPA trace back to May 2005, when Stanley and Marcia Volkens observed the absence of tennis players in sixteen public tennis courts in Middletown. This led them to propose converting a tennis court into a pickleball court, an idea initially unfamiliar to the local park board. The first games took place at Gardner Park in 2005 and Lefferson Park in 2006, where the first tournament was held. By 2007, two tennis courts were transformed into six dedicated pickleball courts, hosting Middletown’s inaugural USAPA-sanctioned tournament. This event grew to attract over 100 participants from more than ten states, cementing Middletown’s status as a significant hub for pickleball in Ohio.

MPA organizes an annual tournament every first Friday and Saturday of August, with the dual purpose of promoting pickleball and raising funds for court development and maintenance. Remarkably, the courts were constructed solely by MPA members, funded through tournament proceeds and donations. The court count expanded from the original four to eighteen between 2015 and 2020. MPA’s proud achievement is shared with the community, and in the latter part of 2016, it was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.