(WNY News Now) – Young Professionals Serve Up Community Connection on the Courts.
JAMESTOWN, NY — The Jamestown Young Professionals (JYP) invite community members to their annual “Pop-Up Pickleball” networking event, taking place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Michael LaGrega Memorial Field in Lakewood.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the sport, this casual, active get-together is open to all skill levels — and it’s free to attend! Bring a friend, significant other, or colleague to enjoy a lively evening of friendly competition and professional networking.
If you’ve never attended a JYP event before, this is the perfect opportunity to meet members, learn about upcoming initiatives, and find out how to get involved in supporting your local community.
There will be six pickleball courts available, with JYP members offering brief demonstrations and instructions for anyone who hasn’t played before. Equipment is limited, so participants are encouraged to bring their own paddles and balls. A few loaner sets will be available on a first-come basis.
“Our Pop-Up Pickleball event is not only an event focused on fun, but it’s also a chance to build relationships with other young professionals that strengthen our professional and local communities,” said Katie Castro, Director of Advancement for United Way of Chautauqua County. “Whether you’re new to the area or looking to grow your network, this is an event you won’t want to miss.”
A new local favorite, The Fizz Fix, will be on site this year whipping up custom flavored sodas for purchase, including a special pickleball themed drink.
Pop-Up Pickleball was first proposed last year by JYP Planning Team member Catherine Baglia, who continues to coordinate and organize the event each year. A licensed realtor with Howard Hanna Holt and owner of 716 Media Solutions, Catherine brings her creativity, energy, and deep commitment to community growth into everything she does — including helping shape JYP’s most dynamic events.
“Pop-Up Pickleball is all about creating space where people feel welcome to connect, move, and just have fun,” Baglia said. “Chautauqua County is full of incredible people doing meaningful work, and I love that we can bring them together in a way that feels both laid back and intentional.”
To keep things moving, shorter games will be played in the event of a large turnout.
No registration is required—just show up ready to connect, play, and have fun!
For more information, follow Jamestown Young Professionals online at Facebook.com/JamestownYoungProfessionals and Instagram.com/JamestownNYYoungProfessionals.
Questions? Suggestions? Email us at: JamestownYoungProfessionals@GMail.com.
JYP IS POWERED BY UNITED WAY
Jamestown Young Professionals is a network of United Way of Chautauqua County that is designed to attract, grow, and mobilize the next generation of leaders in our community. The events are designed to provide meaningful networking opportunities, professional development, and volunteer opportunities, all of which are crucial for shaping and retaining well-rounded, successful professionals who contribute to the betterment of this community.
JYP events are open to everyone and have been underwritten this year through a generous sponsorship by Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.
The motto of JYP is 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦. More than anything, we’re interested in meeting with the existing stakeholders in this region and fostering the next generation of stewards for this community.
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