The Cascade Area Pickleballers are on track to build dedicated new pickleball courts in Oak Hill Park after significant community support. The project aims to raise $180,000 to construct four courts, addressing the growing demand for pickleball in the area.
Early Efforts and Growing Demand
In 2017, Jan and Terry Frasher approached the park board and city council to request painted lines on existing tennis courts in Community Park to accommodate pickleball. Since then, the repurposed courts, along with the city hall gym and Cascade High School’s Webber Center, have served the increasing number of players. However, the shared use of these facilities has led the Cascade Area Pickleballers to seek their dedicated courts.
Fundraising Initiatives
The push for dedicated courts began in May 2024 with an informational meeting to discuss the project’s details. This meeting also kicked off the fundraising efforts, as the committee had been discussing the plan for nearly a year. Terry Frasher emphasized the need for community investment, stating, “We have to be invested ourselves.”
Over the summer, enthusiasm for the project grew through pickleball clinics and increased visibility, including a float in the Hometown Days parade. The club hosted a Dinks and Dogs Night, which attracted more than 40 attendees and allowed for freewill donations toward the project.
Community Support and Grant Funding
In the fall, the Cascade Area Pickleballers celebrated a major milestone by cutting the ribbon on the new court location in Oak Hill Park. Significant donations from local businesses helped push the fundraising efforts halfway toward their goal. On December 3, a grant from the Jones County Community Foundation provided a crucial influx of cash, bringing the project closer to its funding target as it enter 2025.
This initiative not only aims to enhance local pickleball facilities but also fosters community spirit and involvement in the sport. The dedication of the Cascade Area Pickleballers and the support from local businesses and residents highlight the growing popularity of pickleball in the region.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts in Oak Hill Park
The Cascade Area Pickleballers are raising $180,000 to build four dedicated pickleball courts in Oak Hill Park, responding to growing local demand. Fundraising efforts gained momentum with community events and support from local businesses. A recent grant from the Jones County Community Foundation brought them closer to their goal. The project aims to enhance local facilities and foster community involvement in pickleball.
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