Menahga’s New Pickleball Courts: The Menahga School District’s plan to convert existing tennis courts into pickleball courts has reached a financial roadblock, with $31,000 raised out of the $60,000 goal. Despite strong community support, the project remains $29,000 short, delaying construction.
Athletic Director and Community Education Director Mike Weerts updated the Menahga School Board on February 25, explaining that despite numerous fundraising efforts, phone calls, and meetings, the committee has exhausted most local funding sources.
“Numerous informal meetings, telephone calls, discussions and planning strategies were utilized to obtain positive results. We have willingly worked hard to achieve successful results and feel that we have exhausted local resources. Despite our efforts, we have not obtained enough results.” – (Mike Weerts’s report)
Strong Community Support but More Funding Needed
The plan, approved over a year ago, aimed to convert the courts across from the school on U.S. Hwy. 71 into a six-to-eight-court pickleball facility. The expansion would allow 24 to 32 students to play simultaneously, benefiting physical education programs and community recreation.
“which would mean we could get 24 to 32 students playing at the same time.” – (Weerts)
Several local organizations have stepped up to support the project:
- Menahga Lions: $10,000
- Day Foundation: $5,000
- Menahga VFW, Wolf Lake Pack Baseball, Menahga Civic & Commerce: $2,000 each
The estimated $60,000 budget covers removing asphalt, resurfacing, painting, and installing posts and nets.
Next Steps: Seeking Alternative Solutions
With $31,000 raised so far, Superintendent Jay Kjos suggested that the school board will reassess costs and consult contractors at the next meeting to determine if progress can be made with the available funds.
Additionally, Board Chair Andrea Haverninen has developed a website (menahgapickleball.com) to facilitate further private donations.
A Growing Vision for Pickleball in Menahga
Weerts emphasized the long-term benefits of pickleball, calling it a lifelong sport similar to golf that people can play well into their 80s and 90s.
“It’s a lifelong skill, kind of like golf, where you can play in your 80s and 90s.” – (Weerts)
The Menahga School District, City of Menahga, and local organizations remain committed to bringing high-quality pickleball courts to the area, encouraging residents to donate and help bridge the funding gap.
News in Brief: Menahga’s New Pickleball Courts
The Menahga School District’s pickleball court project is $29,000 short of its $60,000 goal, delaying progress. The community has raised $31,000, with major contributions from local organizations. The school board will explore alternative funding at its next meeting, and donations are still being accepted at menahgapickleball.com.
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