Downtown Minot Pickleball Community Space: A new community space called Citizens Alley is now open in downtown Minot and has already hosted visitors and events, including regular pickleball games. The official grand opening took place on Monday, August 11, with live music, games, concessions, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Minot Area Chamber EDC Ambassadors.
Jessica Ackerman with Local Motives, which operates the space, said,
“It’s been really exciting to see how people are using it. Pickleball has been happening on a regular basis.”
She added that the goal is for people to keep returning and sharing ideas for future activities.
Activities and Features
Citizens Alley includes a pickleball court, a basketball hoop, and will transform into an ice rink in October for leisure skating and bumper cars. Equipment and organized events will be available at certain times, but visitors are also welcome to drop in for casual use.
“That’s the beauty of this space. It’s really a place for people to connect and meet others, whether they know them or not,” Ackerman said.
Upcoming Events
This summer’s schedule includes the Ward County Library’s story time, STEM activities for youth, and Thursday night music and arts events by the Minot Area Council of the Arts. Silobration, celebrating the downtown Union Silo art project, is planned for Friday, August 29. Atypical Brewery and Barrelworks will host a Grateful Dead tribute band on Saturday, August 30.
This week, Friday will focus on games, with basketball, pickleball, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also complete an online passport challenge for a chance to win prizes, including private bumper car rides, ice skating sessions, and pickleball court time.
Funding and Partnerships
Citizens Alley is part of a $1 million Destination Development Grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, shared with three other downtown projects—Aurora Nights by Prairie Sky Breads, Atypical Bier Hall and Igloos, and No. 18 marketplace.
Ackerman said Citizens Alley is funded through donations, grants, sponsorships, and income from concessions, rentals, and select events. She believes the space helps strengthen downtown Minot’s sense of community and encourages people to explore the neighborhood.
News in Brief: Downtown Minot Pickleball Community Space
Citizens Alley, a new public gathering space in downtown Minot, is now open and hosting regular activities like pickleball and basketball. Funded partly by a state grant, the venue will feature seasonal attractions, organized events, and casual drop-in opportunities, aiming to connect people and boost downtown engagement.
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