Arlington YMCA Tennis & Squash Center

★★★★★PAUL Smith

This is a family atmosphere. Very kind and friendly people. The club is older, but a great value

★★★Peter Hansen

Update: They put a lot of effort in and have improved the rating system. It still has a ways to go, but it's better. Additional FYI having played there longer: The temperature regulation is not good. On warmish days, it's been very warm and humid in there. Anyways, I originally had it at 2 stars, would give maybe 1-2 more stars after the efforts they put in but am limiting that to just 1 given some of the temperature issues. Original 2-star review: (Partially still applies, more effort needed to balance levels) Unfortunately, I can't recommend this YMCA for pickleball. Their rating system is broken, with the result that you get stuck in many bad games. The issue starts with the fact that there are two rating systems: self rating and re-rating by a pro. You self rate when you make an account--before you ever set foot on a pickleball court there. This rating is permanent, except for the pro re-rating. Here's where we come to the biggest flaw: The pro's rating is totally off from the normal level of the groups at the Y. The pro's rating is like what you might see at a tournament, an environment where a level--say, 4.0--is very competitive, in part because many self-rate conservatively to have a chance to win. But the Y level is totally different, presumably driven by people self-rating somewhat charitably. So the actual Y-level 4.0 is substantially lower level than what the pro would say is 4.0. The result are groups that should theoretically deliver competitive games often deliver very bad ones. The mess is especially problematic if you self-rate low initially. You're stuck as one of the best players in your group, but you can't move up because the pro re-rates based on a concept that is out of step of the actual reality at the Y. Supposedly, this system is being fixed--essentially, lots of people being moved down. If that happens, I'll re-rate the Y and update this description. Until then, I simply cannot recommend the Y. The members are nice and the staff are good people, but you cannot count on getting into a level that will give you good games. As long as that's true, it's just not worth it.

★★★★★Justin Wickersham

I’ve been playing pickleball at the Arlington Y for a little over a year now, and I really have come to love this place. It is a great community of players and there are a variety of ways to practice and play here. The pickleball coaches and staff really go the extra mile. This facility is older and does not have all the bells and whistles like other facilities, but membership fees are cheaper and you do not have to pay for open play compared to some of the other pickleball facilities in this area which charge you an arm and a leg for membership on top of charging you for a discount on programming and open play. If you want good pickleball competition and programming for a great price then the Y is definitely for you.

★★★★★JC

It’s not the newest but you can’t beat the price for indoor play. The AC is an issue. But, good staff for the most part and the Director really cares about the programming. I love that they listen and implement ideas and input from members.

★★★★★Steven Alvarez

Great facility for pickleball regardless of skill level from 2.0-5.0. Well managed and responsive to their member's needs. Very affordable for indoor amenities for this area, and the staff has been great. Great community of pickleball players who enjoy the game but also want to improve their skills, and the pro coaches are excellent. I highly recommend an annual membership for both pickleball and the YMCA facility as a whole.