ABOUT

The Harlem Pickleball Association (HPA) was created to increase physical activity throughout Harlem for all ages. HPA provides an open, safe, and welcoming environment for Harlem residents to learn, play, practice, and compete in pickleball.

HPA accomplishes this by actively engaging Harlem residents to learn and play pickleball.

HPA is committed to improving the health and wellness of all Harlem residents most notably in districts 9, 10 and 11 but is open to all New Yorkers overall. The program meets this mission by enrolling new pickleball players and providing play instruction, cultivating meaningful social relationships, and increasing the overall physical activity of participants.Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States with approximately 4.8 million players across the nation.

Pickleball can be played by all ages and all skill levels, making it accessible to people who have never played before. In comparison to sports like tennis, pickleball is affordable, which has contributed to its immense growth across the country, particularly in communities that are exercise deserts. There are several benefits to playing pickleball.

There are several benefits to playing pickleball. First, pickleball is a low impact exercise that provides a good cardiovascular workout, helping to improve stamina, agility, and balance, with little impact on your joints.

It also helps in burning calories, which can contribute to overall weight loss.

Pickleball is a social activity. It is primarily played in partnership with another player, thereby increasing social skills and social interaction by engaging with meeting new people and making friends. Pickleball is easy to learn, especially for those who have some experience playing paddle games like ping pong, badminton, racquetball, and tennis. Additionally, people of all ages can play pickleball. It fosters mental sharpness through developing strategies to win and improves hand and eye coordination overall.

Starting in 2024, HPA will partner with the Team Unity to receive administrative and programmatic support to sustain our program. Founded in 1994, Team Unity, Inc. is a 501 (c ) 3 nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for the Social Determinants of health by elevating communities through Partnership, Education and Action.

Team Unity collaborates with community partners to address the social determinants of health to ensure “everyone that lives, learns, and works for their community obtains equity and inclusion by reaching their full potential toward well-being”. Team Unity will function as an administrative and fiscal conduit on behalf of the Harlem Pickleball Association.