The Sundance Pickleball Club is asking for community help to update the city’s 40-year-old tennis courts. The group hopes to secure a grant to fund the refurbishment, but it must raise matching funds to move the project forward.
Growing Need for New Courts
Pickleball in Sundance has grown quickly since Randy Ludeman introduced it through the Community Adult Education program in 2020. Twelve people joined at first, 21 the next year, and in 2025 the club has 34 members.
“It is currently the fastest-growing sport in the country,”
said club member Jill Stich.
The current courts are crowded, with as many people waiting to play as there are on the court. The old surface is cracked and uneven, and the club has only been able to patch and paint it over time.
Plans for Refurbishment
The proposed upgrade would create a four-court complex, giving more players a chance to play safely. Jill Stich said the new facility could also allow Sundance to host tournaments against nearby clubs, including Spearfish with 140 players and Hulett, which recently converted its courts.
The project would require new underground drainage, fencing, nets, and surfacing. Engineers are now reviewing costs, which remain uncertain.
Funding Challenges
The club first worked with the City of Sundance to explore grant options, but the city no longer has money available.
“They were going to give us money towards it, but that money has gone,” (Jill Stich).
The City Council asked WWC Engineering to estimate costs in 2023, but since then, officials have focused funds on essential needs. Now, the club is working with City Engineers Trihydro to get updated numbers.
The Sundance Pickleball Club is accepting donations to help raise the match needed for a grant.
Looking Ahead
Jill Stich said the new courts would not only support local players but also attract visitors and casual players who use city-provided nets. For now, the club continues to grow, using the elementary school gym in winter and the aging tennis courts in summer.
Community members can also learn about the sport firsthand at an introductory event on September 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the city tennis courts. The event will include demonstrations and opportunities to try the game.
News in Brief: Sundance Pickleball Club
The Sundance Pickleball Club is raising funds to refurbish the city’s 40-year-old tennis courts into a four-court pickleball complex. With grant money requiring a community match, donations are needed. An introductory pickleball event will be held September 28 at the tennis courts from 2 to 4 p.m.