Dysart’s Pickleball Courts Project: The Dysart Pickleball Organization, city officials, and local contractors held a groundbreaking ceremony for new pickleball courts on Tuesday, April 15, in Dysart City Park, Tama County, Iowa. The project moved forward after securing more than $50,000 in funding just in time to meet grant deadlines.
Fundraising Efforts to Meet the Goal
Dysart Pickleball Organization member Peg Mullen shared that the group raised $19,000 through various local events, with additional support from the City of Dysart and grant writing efforts. “We were in jeopardy of losing a $20,000 grant if all of the $54,000 for the project was not secured,” Mullen told the newspaper.
To reach their goal, DPO organized multiple events, including Union Community School District concession stand work, bake sales, a Music Bingo night, pickleball tournaments, soup luncheons, t-shirt sales — including St. Patrick’s Day specials sponsored by the city — and raffle ticket sales.
The group is also running a Facebook calendar event fundraiser for April.
The Vision Dysart ‘Flannel Festival’ held downtown last month also helped push the fundraising efforts across the finish line.
“So, we have been busy fundraising through Union [CSD] concession stand work, many bake sales, hosting a Music Bingo night, pickleball tournaments, soup luncheons, more bake sales, t-shirt sales including special St. Patrick’s Day shirt sales sponsored by the City of Dysart, raffle ticket sales, and we are currently doing a Facebook calendar event for April.” – (Mullen)
Community Spirit Behind the Project
“We put the ‘fun’ in fundraisers, that is for sure! The Dysart community and surrounding areas, as well as many individuals, have been pivotal in helping with this project!” – (mullen)
The strong community support has been a key factor in making the new courts a reality, demonstrating the area’s growing passion for pickleball and community activities.
New Courts Opening Timeline
If construction goes as planned, the new courts will open in time for the Dysart Pickleball Organization’s second annual Fourth of July tournament. A formal dedication ceremony for the courts is also scheduled to be held during the event.
Adding to the momentum, on April 10, the City of Dysart received a $10,000 grant from the Tama County Community Foundation to fund surface and fencing improvements at the new pickleball facility as part of the Foundation’s 2025 grant cycle.
News in Brief: Dysart’s Pickleball Courts Project
Dysart, Iowa broke ground on new pickleball courts at City Park after the Dysart Pickleball Organization raised over $50,000. Fundraisers, grants, and strong community support made the project possible. The courts are expected to open by July 4 with a dedication ceremony planned during the second annual tournament.
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