Fitness & Sports Performance

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SLUHN Launches SportsPlex Facility and Pickleball Lehigh Valley
December 20, 2023

St. Luke’s University Health Network is pleased to announce the launch of St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley (PLV). St. Luke’s SportsPlex is one of the largest pickleball and indoor/outdoor sports facilities on the East Coast, outside of Florida. And it is home to Pickleball Lehigh Valley.

St. Luke’s SportsPlex (formerly Parkland Pickleball Club) is a 75,000-SF former tennis and racket club that has been completely updated to support pickleball and other multi-sport activities. Housed within six 8000-SF “barrels” or bays there are 12 NBA-quality hardwood pickleball courts, 12 designated hardcourt pickleball courts and an Event Center which is also lined for pickleball, bringing the total indoor courts to 25.

In addition to the Amish-built indoor “barrels,” there is a 22-court, 3-acre outdoor pickleball venue that offers a festival atmosphere and ample parking on and off site for large national, regional and local tournaments.

St. Luke’s SportsPlex also houses a spacious sports-themed event center and a state-of-the-art-player lounge and is poised to become the indoor / outdoor sports and pickleball destination in the Northeast.

St. Luke’s SportsPlex also offers indoor space for both team and individual training for youth to adults to enhance their skill and sports performance level. St. Luke’s SportsPlex supports multi-sport activities after 3pm on the wooden surfaces in Bays 1 & 2 and on the turf in Bay 3. A large player lounge and viewing area runs the length of the fields so that parents can watch their athletes train. The facility is Wi-Fi enabled so that parents can be connected online for their work and family needs.

Pickleball Lehigh Valley (PLV)

“Are you already an expert pickleball player?” asks Mary Jo “MJ” Cambridge, director of operations for Pickleball Lehigh Valley. “This is the place for you to find high quality drilling, open- play and tournament competitions. Are you just getting started? Join the movement and take a Pickleball 101 class or lessons from a PPR Certified Teaching Pro.”

At Pickleball of the Lehigh Valley, located at St. Luke’s SportsPlex, we provide beginner pickleball enthusiasts and experienced pickleball athletes with a “fun and welcoming environment to learn, play and enjoy pickleball” at our 51-court, state-of-the-art pickleball complex, says MJ. “PLV provides a full range of private and semi-private lessons, skill and drill sessions and open play. Our team at PLV is made up of passionate and knowledgeable certified pickleball coaches who are dedicated to helping introduce players to pickleball or to help elevate a seasoned players game.  We have a full schedule of weekly clinics and offer private lessons.

“The staff works to ensure that each player is matched to their level of play, every visitor has a positive experience and that its membership is comprised of people who respect and support each other in having a great time learning and playing the game.”

St. Luke’s SportsPlex and PLV will also feature a pro shop; a player lounge and viewing area and an outdoor event area; pickleball lessons, clinics and classes; leagues and tournaments. Additionally, members will enjoy streamlined access to other St. Luke’s services such as physical therapy, orthopedics and sports performance training.

According to John Hauth, senior network administrator of sports medicine relationships, St. Luke’s University Health Network, St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley are wanted in the Valley by its residents, and a good fit for the region. “The Lehigh Valley is special and unique,” he says. “We have a wide variety of sports in the area from youth to professional. St. Luke’s is proud to be part of that with numerous state-of-the-art sports facilities of all kinds. St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley are also unique. This is a one-of-a-kind, St. Luke’s “Fit for Life” campus for all ages… featuring the fastest growing sport in the country for all ages.

“The demand to open has been so tremendous, we’ve decided to do a soft opening and get people playing pickleball. We anticipate that memberships will go fast.”

Those interested in joining should go to www.MyPickleballLV.com. If you already have a Court Reserve account, search for Pickleball Lehigh Valley. During our "Soft Launch Opening" December 21 - January 2, 2024, there will be NO PAID programming. We will offer free open play for members who make Reservations on Court Reserve. A LIMITED holiday schedule will open for members.

St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley are located at 4636 Crackersport Road, Allentown.