Pickleball Courts in Williamsburg: Pickleball Iowa County is working to bring four outdoor pickleball courts to the Williamsburg Community Recreation Center, making the sport more accessible to local players. The non-profit group needs to raise $200,000 to fund the project, which includes constructing the concrete courts and fencing.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and interest has surged in Iowa County. While indoor play is available at the recreation center and Iowa Valley Elementary School in Marengo, outdoor courts would allow for more flexible, free play at any time.
“They started having it here.” – (Mindi Slaymaker)
Community Demand for Outdoor Courts
Pickleball enthusiasts across the county currently rely on limited indoor space. Jodi Stahl noted that players can only use the indoor courts when the rec center is open and when space is not occupied by other sports.
Mindi Slaymaker explained that working players often request after-hours access, which outdoor courts would provide.
“And we wanted to encompass the whole county.” – (Mindi Slaymaker)
“We have a lot of people across the county coming here to play.” – (Jodi Stahl)
Pickleball brings together players of all ages, fostering social interaction and mental health benefits, said Mary Wetjen. A recent tournament hosted by Pickleball Iowa County saw players ranging from 14 to 72 years old, all enjoying the game together.
“It’s really about, what can we do for our community?” – (Mary Wetjen)
“That’s what’s driven us. We want to give back because we want this for everyone.” – (Mary Wetjen)
Pickleball’s Rapid Growth in Iowa County
The sport has expanded rapidly in Iowa County over the past few months. Pickleball USA reported that 18,455 new courts were built across the country in 2024, bringing the national total to 68,458.
Local players say pickleball builds friendships and a sense of community. Wetjen emphasized the sport’s welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s something you can do with strangers and become friends.” – (Mary Wetjen)
Slaymaker added that many players travel significant distances to find good courts.
“And people will drive. I go to Iowa City and North English to play. Once you’re hooked, you don’t mind driving.” – (Mindi Slaymaker)
She believes players from across Iowa, Keokuk, and Poweshiek Counties will come to Williamsburg once the courts are built.
Fundraising and Community Support Needed
The Williamsburg City Council has approved the project, but Pickleball Iowa County must fund the construction. The group is raising money through donations, grants, and fundraising events.
“We feel if we raise half of that, we can get the grants.” – (Mary Wetjen)
“We’re doing it because it’s good for our community. It’s good physically. It’s good mentally. But we need everyone’s support.” – (Mary Wetjen)
Laura Sauser with Iowa County Community Development is assisting in securing funding, but community donations are critical for grant applications. Donors will be recognized with signage on the court fencing:
- Gold Sponsor: $5,000 – $9,999
- Silver Sponsor: $2,500 – $4,999
- Bronze Sponsor: $1,000 – $2,499
Donations can be mailed to Pickleball Iowa County, P.O. Box 600, Williamsburg, IA 52361, or made via PayPal at pickleballiowacounty.org and Venmo.
Upcoming Fundraising Events
To support the project, Pickleball Iowa County has organized several events:
- Spring Dink Tournament (March 21): $20 per team; register on Facebook or the website.
- Sundown Bar & Grill Fundraiser (April 25): A percentage of pizza sales will go toward the project, along with a live auction.
- Fireside Winery Pickleball Event (June 8): Details are still being finalized.
Building a Future for Pickleball in Williamsburg
Pickleball Iowa County sees this project as the first step in expanding the sport locally. If the outdoor courts are built, the group envisions adding leagues, social events, and additional amenities for players. Stahl compared the initiative to Dyersville’s Field of Dreams, saying,
“If we build it, they will come. They play it once, they’ll be back.” – (Stahl)
“We’re confident these courts will be busy.” – (Mindi Slaymaker)
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts in Williamsburg
Pickleball Iowa County is raising $200,000 to build four outdoor pickleball courts at the Williamsburg Community Recreation Center. The Williamsburg City Council has approved the project, but community support is needed for construction. Fundraisers, including a Spring Dink Tournament (March 21) and a pizza fundraiser (April 25), aim to help fund the courts.
ALSO READ: Bowling Green Outdoor Pickleball Courts Set to Open by July 2025
