Jefferson’s New Pickleball Courts: Jefferson, Iowa, is embracing the pickleball boom with the opening of new outdoor pickleball courts, supported by local donations and grants. Community members were eager to play as soon as the nets went up in May, highlighting how the town of 4,100 is turning recreation into a community-wide success.
A Community Effort
Jefferson residents didn’t wait long to enjoy the new courts.
“Oh yeah, we were there the day. The day that they got done putting up the nets. The young man who was putting up the nets said, ‘Not yet, not yet’ and we finally ran across when he said it’s okay to play it.”-(Jean Van Gilder)
The excitement wasn’t just among players. Nathan Kral, Jefferson Parks and Recreation Director, shared how the courts came to life through community support.
“It was the community members who started the donation drive who got all these private donations. It was the Grow Greene County grants who also paid a big portion of that and then the city had a portion of the money that was donated to them privately too. So there’s three different sources of funding we had for this.”-(Nathan Kral)
Support from Grow Greene County
Grants from Grow Greene County, using gaming funds from the Wild Rose Casino, played a major role in the project. Since 2022, the Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department has received over $300,000 in grants.
“We couldn’t do it without local support, but Grow Greene County has been very much involved in what we’ve done. They gave us the half of the grant for the pickleball courts. The fact that they think it’s important to see things in the community that are good for everyone.”-( Jean Van Gilder)
Growing a Sport and a Community
Pickleball in Jefferson is more than just a sport—it’s part of a larger movement to bring people together. Jean Van Gilder shared how the community is growing younger.
“Years and years ago, we had a really horrible campaign of ‘Retire in Jefferson’ but we don’t want that. We want young people. We were just talking the other day with a gal after pickleball and across the street from her she’s got neighbors moving in. It’s going to be a whole bunch of young people on her street. So it’s awesome.”-( Jean Van Gilder)
“We have more and more people playing all the time, so it’s just awesome. It’s a great place to live. I love Jefferson.”-( Jean Van Gilder)
News in Brief: Jefferson’s New Pickleball Courts
Jefferson, Iowa opened new outdoor pickleball courts in May with strong community support and help from Grow Greene County grants. Locals like Jean Van Gilder were quick to start playing. The courts are part of a growing effort to keep the town active and attract new, younger residents.
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