River City Pickleball Donation Owensboro Complex: The Owensboro Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to amend the city budget to include River City Pickleball Club’s $500,000 donation for a new pickleball complex at Ben Hawes Park. The update also included money for a land purchase.
Adding the Donation to the Budget
The change formally incorporates the club’s contribution. Pagan, speaking at the meeting, explained: “As construction is drawing near, we need to add that revenue, because we’ll have offsetting expenses once construction begins.”
A Project Years in the Making
Alex Ross, who has helped guide the project for River City Pickleball Club, said it has taken years to reach this point.
“This project has been a true exercise in patience, but it has been rewarding to see it develop into a long-term solution for the continually growing pickleball community,” Ross said. “All while, developing an incredibly collaborative relationship with the City Parks department.”
Planning and Fundraising
The agreement between the city and River City Pickleball Club was signed in December 2023. Design work with Lose Design began in April 2024, followed by recommendations from a volunteer design team in June 2024. Renderings and cost estimates came in September 2024, and by October 2024, a fundraising committee launched efforts to secure sponsorships and member support.
Ross noted that fundraising has been strong.
“We are so excited to have received 13 generous corporate and private pledges for court naming rights so far, with only five more courts left,” he said. “These groups will be integrated into the facility itself and be shown as true supporters of City Parks and the pickleball community for many years after the facility is completed.”
Looking Ahead
Ross explained that once contractor bidding opens, the club will begin its member fundraiser to fulfill the $500,000 commitment — and possibly raise more.
“We feel very confident in raising our $500,000,” Ross said. “But we want to do right by the City and local community as a whole, by raising more if we can to further support this public/private partnership.”
Community Collaboration
Ross praised the teamwork that has driven the project forward.
“It feels wonderful, just because it has been a lot of work and collaboration with many stakeholders. But besides that, I’m just so happy for the overall pickleball community,” he said. “They’ve been so understanding and patient through this whole process. These types of projects take time and they’ve been nothing but supportive. And the City has been a great partner through it all.”
Ross also stressed that the complex will remain open to the public.
“Because of the extensive fundraising on the part of RCPC, members will enjoy preferential days and times for leagues, clinics, and tournaments. But I must stress that this will always be a public facility for anyone to play on,” Ross said. “RCPC welcomes members and non-members, beginners or advanced, alike to enjoy this incredible community accomplishment.”
He credited Paula Hayden and Guy Durham for their support, as well as volunteer committees led by Rick Lancaster, Amy Hartz, Jeremy Edge, Drew Cunningham, and John ‘Bubba’ Shown.
Aiming for Regional Growth
Ross said the club’s ultimate mission is clear: to make Owensboro a leading pickleball hub for the region and beyond.
The city’s budget amendment passed on its second reading Tuesday.
News in Brief: River City Pickleball Donation Owensboro Complex
Owensboro commissioners approved a budget amendment Tuesday to include River City Pickleball Club’s $500,000 donation for a new pickleball complex at Ben Hawes Park. The project, years in the making, has gained strong fundraising support. Leaders say the facility will stay open to the public while boosting Owensboro’s regional pickleball presence.