Pickleball Court Renovations in Grundy County: The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club has raised over $89,000—exceeding its $75,000 fundraising goal—to upgrade pickleball courts in Beaman and Conrad. The funds will be used to repair and resurface existing courts and complete new ones, offering improved play areas for a growing number of local players.
Community Raises Over $89,000
The total raised was $89,536, while the total cost of the project is $87,251. The extra funds show strong support from local people and businesses. The upgraded courts aim to serve the southern part of Grundy County and help promote healthy living.
Heather Wilson, Executive Director of the Conrad Chamber-Main Street and a member of the pickleball club committee, explained how the funds will be used.
“In Conrad, the courts are already open and awaiting the installation of new fencing, while in Beaman, the project has begun and the courts will soon be getting a new surface,” she said. “The growing popularity of pickleball in the area is evident, with around 50 dedicated players regularly filling the courts. The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club is committed to providing a premier playing experience for the community, and the upgraded courts will make them a destination for pickleball enthusiasts.”
Plans for Leagues and Clinics
Chad Dielschneider, Fundraising Chair for the Wolf Creek Pickleball Club, pointed out that pickleball continues to grow rapidly across the United States.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, according to reports by USA Pickleball and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA),” he said.
He also said the courts are already very active.
“In the summer, it was utilized daily with unofficial league play three times per week. Once the courts are complete, it is the club’s mission to promote the facility and sport by hosting clinics and sponsoring leagues and tournaments,” he said.
The club includes players from age 10 to over 80. Dielschneider shared that about 10,062 people in Grundy County fall into this age group. While the entire county benefits, the club’s location mainly serves the southern third of the county, as Dike and Grundy Center serve the northern and central parts.
Club Goals and Future Revenue
The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club was formed in July 2024. This year, it expects to raise about $2,500 through membership dues. These funds will support clinics, tournaments, and additional upgrades to the facilities.
Heather Wilson said the effort goes beyond just fixing courts—it’s about building community spirit.
“The impact of this project extends beyond the pickleball courts, fostering a sense of community and promoting active lifestyles for people of all ages. The upgraded courts will provide a welcoming space for residents to gather, socialize, and stay active, positively impacting local businesses, community events, and overall quality of life,” she said.
She also thanked everyone who made the fundraising effort possible.
“The club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the community and local businesses for their generous donations. Additionally, the club is grateful to its dedicated committee members who volunteered their time and effort to secure donations for this project. Their tireless work and commitment to the cause were instrumental in achieving the fundraising goal,” she added.
State Center Pickleball Courts Progress
In nearby State Center, the city is also working on new pickleball courts at Kauffman City Park. City Clerk Lori Bearden said the concrete has been laid and the goal is to finish the project by September 30.
“I think the final completion is scheduled for Sept. 30, and we hope to have the fencing up and the posts and the nets and all that done by that time. But with the rain that comes every other day, it’s a little tough to get stuck in the ground,” said Lori Bearden.
She added that the acrylic surface won’t be applied until next year because the contractors are backlogged.
“But we will put temporary striping down so it can be played on, but we won’t have the nice acrylic surface,” Bearden added. “It a little bit smoothes out any roughness that might be in the concrete, that kind of thing. And it also helps designate the playing area.”
The project is funded by the city’s general fund and the local Kauffman Trust, which supports recreational and economic development each year.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Renovations in Grundy County
The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club raised $89,536 to upgrade courts in Beaman and Conrad, surpassing its $75,000 goal. The club plans to promote the sport with leagues and clinics. Meanwhile, State Center is building new courts at Kauffman City Park, aiming to complete them by the end of September.
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