Squash is an extremely popular racquet sport that is played indoors on a rectangular court by two people who hit a soft black rubber ball back and forth until one person wins the point.  Currently, over 25 million people play squash and in the United States alone, approximately 1.2 million play the sport. There is a total of 50,000 squash courts in 185 countries worldwide [1]. 

On April 21, 2022, YMCA Arlington Tennis and Squash Center in Virginia officially filed their 4.1 site plan application with Arlington County for a world class sports complex.  In the preliminary redevelopment plans, squash courts ARE NOT part of the plans even though the current facility has two squash courts and Squash Center in its name.   

Here is a direct quote about the plans that Pamela Curran, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, emailed on April 21, 2022. 

“With this data in mind, the proposed benefits and amenities would include a modernized tennis pavilion with a lounge, separate dedicated indoor pickleball courts, a natatorium with a family recreation pool, modernized locker rooms to include family locker rooms, a diversity and inclusion center, a modern wellness center with a focus on fitness and community health, innovative maker space for youth, in addition to underground parking. The Y believes the amenities and research-based programs will allow the Y to continue to serve Arlington both at the Y and in the community under one roof. Though early in the process, with many decisions and details to be worked out with the county and community stakeholders, today is a significant step forward in the delivery of the new Y.”  

“As part of the Y’s due diligence to determine community needs and to avoid duplicating already existing county amenities, the Y’s proposed programs and services were developed based on the Y member survey studies, Arlington County’s Master Plan, the GLUP Study “Plus”, and Community Facilities Study along with County Initiatives including Destination 2027. We also focused on addressing comments received from County staff and the community in response to our conceptual plan submission.” 

As you can see, there are no plans for squash courts.  The status quo for the squash courts MUST be maintained at the new facility.  The current two squash courts are the only public courts in Northern Virginia.  YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening individuals and communities across the country.  This plan runs counter to this commitment by eliminating the opportunity for individuals to play squash and severely weakening the squash community.  The YMCA should be promoting squash and encouraging more people to play, not eliminating the opportunity.  YMCA of Metropolitan Washington should follow the lead of YMCA of Richmond which converted their old racquetball courts into new squash courts in 2018. 

Please sign this change.org petition before the plans become final.  Your signature can make the difference for you, your family and your community!