Spring Pickleball League Launches in Kearney

Kearney Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce the return of its Spring Pickleball League for 2026, providing players of all skill levels the opportunity to participate in this fast-growing sport. The league will run weeknights from 6 to 11 pm on courts 1-8 at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, located at 619 E 19th Street.

The schedule features a six-week league, culminating in a seventh week double elimination tournament, with competitive divisions playing three matches per night.

League divisions include options for true beginners, advanced beginners, social players, and advanced social competitors. Mixed teams are defined as either two female players or one male and one female, and the minimum player age is 18, except for social divisions which allow participants as young as 12.

Registration for the spring league is currently open, with regular registration available from March 2 to April 5, 2026. The league begins the week of April 13 and concludes June 15, with a regular registration fee of $50.

Additionally, a free beginner pickleball clinic will be held on Saturday, April 11, offering new adult players a two-hour session covering the basics and practice drills. Registration for the clinic is limited to the first 20 participants, so early sign-up is encouraged.

Kearney Parks and Rec invites players to join the league and experience the excitement, camaraderie, and friendly competition of pickleball this spring. Sign up now at KearneyParks.com and don't miss your chance to be part of the action.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Pickleball Courts Earn National Silver Honor

The Kearney Pickleball Complex is being celebrated on a national level after earning a Silver Award from the American Sports Builders Association, a prestigious honor that recognizes excellence in athletic facility design and construction.

The award shines a spotlight on what local players have known all along — Kearney’s courts are among the best around. The facility features 12 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets, LED lighting for evening play, restrooms, and a fully ADA-accessible design that welcomes players of all ages and abilities.

Built by McConnell & Associates Corporation, the complex was made possible through the Kearney Use Tax, demonstrating how forward-thinking local investments can create top-tier recreation spaces for the community.

The American Sports Builders Association’s awards program evaluates projects from across the country and honors facilities that exemplify superior design, site work, amenities, innovation and construction quality — making this Silver Award a significant accomplishment for a community of Kearney’s size.

Whether it’s leagues, pickup games, or family play, Kearney’s pickleball courts have quickly become a hub for one of America’s fastest-growing sports. This national recognition not only honors the hard work behind the courts’ creation but also cements Kearney’s reputation as a destination for quality pickleball experiences.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Parks Announces Fall Pickleball Leagues

The popular Kearney Fall Pickleball Leagues are returning for another fall season in 2025, promising an energetic community atmosphere for players of all skill levels. Hosted by Kearney Parks and Recreation, matches will be held weeknights from 6 to 10 pm at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, 619 E 19th Street.

This fall, the league stretches across six weeks, culminating in a double elimination tournament on the seventh. Competitive divisions will play three matches per night on courts 1-8, ensuring plenty of action for participants.

League options include a beginner’s league, designed for those new to the game to develop skills through play; a social league for beginner to intermediate players seeking a fun, lightly competitive experience; and an advanced social division for skilled players who enjoy competitive yet relaxed play. Mixed teams may be made up of either two female players or one male and one female, and most divisions require participants to be at least 18, though social divisions allow players as young as 12.

Registration is open from August 7 to August 31, 2025, with a cost of $50 per participant. Fall leagues begin the week of September 8th and run through October 20th. Detailed schedules, division days, and times are available under the “More Info” tab at KearneyParks.com.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity in Kearney and across the nation, drawing players of all ages with its blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Local players praise the league’s friendly environment and high-quality facilities, and many cite the opportunity to meet new people and build connections.

Parents appreciate how the league welcomes teens and young adults to compete alongside older players, fostering an inclusive, family-friendly setting. With affordable fees and easy registration, spaces are expected to fill quickly. Early signups are encouraged.

For more information or to register, visit the Kearney Parks and Recreation website or contact league organizers.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Kearney Parks Announces Return of Pickleball Leagues

Kearney Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of its popular Pickleball Leagues for 2025. The program will feature a six-week league schedule, followed by a seventh-week double-elimination tournament.

The leagues will run on weeknights from 6 pm to 10 pm, with a special Ladies Morning League on Tuesdays from 8 am to noon.

All league divisions will be played on courts 1-7 at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, located at 619 E 19th Street. The leagues cater to a variety of skill levels, from true beginners to advanced players. The divisions include:

Beginner's League: Designed for newcomers to the sport who want to learn and improve through gameplay.

Social League: For beginner to intermediate players seeking a fun, lightly competitive environment.

Advanced Social League: For experienced players looking for a more relaxed yet skilled competition.

The program offers several league options, including mixed doubles (two female players, or one male and one female player). The minimum age for participation is 18.

The program is designed to provide a fun and competitive experience for players of all skill levels. Participants can look forward to both friendly competition and the chance to improve their skills.

Kearney Parks and Recreation is also offering one day Youth Pickleball camps. The camps are designed to teach the fundamentals of Pickleball, including the rules of the game, the different parts of the court, serving, scoring and basic shots used in a game.

Participants will need to supply their own paddle, a water bottle, and proper court shoes. Water will be available at the courts to fill bottles as needed and there is also a restroom onsite.

Participants should contact Joe Landewee at KearneyPickleball@gmail.com for paddle and shoe recommendations along with any other questions.

For more details and to register for leagues or camps, residents are encouraged to visit KearneyParks.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Parks Department Now Hosting Pickleball Camps

Now Kearney area youth can get in on the pickleball mania. The Kearney Parks and Recreation Department is now offering pickleball camps this summer.

Kearney Parks and Recreation is offering youth pickleball camps this summer. The camps are designed to teach the fundamentals of pickleball, including the rules of the game, the different parts of the court, serving, scoring and basic shots used in a game.

Participants will need to supply their own paddle, a water bottle, and proper court shoes. Water will be available at the courts to fill bottles as needed and there is also a restroom onsite. For paddle and shoe recommendations along with other questions, contact Joe Landewee at KearneyPickleball@gmail.com

There will be two daily sessions per age group and daily sessions will run 1 hour in length for 5 days. The cost for the camp is $125 per participant.

Camp 1: (6-8yrs): Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26

Camp 2: (9-11yrs): Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

Camp 3: (12-14yrs): Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9

Camp 4: (15-18yrs): Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16

Daily Sessions:

8:00 am - 9:00 am

9:30 am - 10:30 am

To register for youth pickleball camp, visit KearneyParks.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.