New Pickleball Complex Opens: In a scene that seemed to blend community spirit and the promise of new beginnings, Isle Area Pickleball Association President Mike Daniels stood before a crowd on June 6th and borrowed a line from the film “Field of Dreams”: “If you build it, they shall come.” His words set the tone for the Grand Opening Celebration of a state-of-the-art pickleball facility on the campus of Isle High School, a project driven by the vision and determination of the IAPA.
The Isle Area Pickleball Association (IAPA) embarked on this ambitious venture with the goal of creating a recreational haven not only for its over 100 members but for the entire community. The association’s vision statement emphasizes the desire to “further strengthen our community by using pickleball as a source for recreation, entertainment, and social networking.” This new facility stands as a testament to that mission.
The ceremony commenced with a poignant rendition of the National Anthem by Terry “Tinman” Haigler, a Vietnam veteran and accomplished pickleball player, followed by a heartfelt blessing from local pastor Rick Gabriel. As Daniels took the podium, he acknowledged the many individuals and donors whose contributions turned a long-held dream into a reality. “To make this happen, we had lots of donors who shared our vision,” he said. “While some of our donors prefer to remain anonymous, others are listed on the donor poster that will eventually be posted on these grounds.”
Over the course of two years, the IAPA successfully raised over $200,000 for the project, with plans to add another $10,000 for additional amenities. This impressive fundraising effort highlights the community’s support and belief in the project’s potential to enhance local recreational opportunities.
Daniels highlighted the remarkable growth of pickleball, noting that it is the fastest-growing sport in America with a 223% growth rate over the last three years. “Currently, there are 36 million players throughout the country,” he said, “with the largest bracket—30% of the players—in the 18-34 year old range.”
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Daniels extended his gratitude to the Isle School Board for permitting the construction of the eight courts on school district property. This partnership underscores the community-oriented approach that has been central to the project’s success.
“The premise behind the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ is that no matter where you build it, players will come,” Daniels concluded. “Ladies and gentlemen, with your help we have built this, and they will come. For example, 94 players have signed up for our Isle Days tournament. Join us as we welcome them to the Isle Community Pickleball Complex.”
News in Brief : New Pickleball Complex Opens
The new pickleball facility, aside from the time slots devoted to IAPA leagues, is open to the public, offering a state-of-the-art venue for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. As the Isle Area Pickleball Association continues to foster a sense of community through sport, this new complex stands as a beacon of their commitment to recreation, camaraderie, and shared dreams.
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