Pickleball Court Expansion in Sisters: Pickleball, recognized as America’s fastest-growing sport for the third consecutive year by the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, continues its rapid rise. Participation surged by 51.8 percent from 2022 to 2023, with players aged 65 and older contributing significantly to this growth. The sport’s popularity is evidenced by the explosion of interest in Sisters, where pickleball enthusiasts face a critical shortage of public courts.
Creative Land Donation and Sale Enhances Local Facilities
In a strategic move to address this shortage, Pine Valley Tennis Club (PVTC) donated the land for new pickleball courts to the SOAR Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, avoiding tax liabilities. The SOAR Foundation subsequently sold the land for $333,000, with proceeds earmarked for the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD). This funding infusion will support SPRD’s plans to develop eight new pickleball courts, along with additional amenities, on the site of the former Sisters Elementary School.
Strategic Grant Application to Boost Funding
SPRD is also awaiting approval for a $750,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Combined with funding from the City of Sisters, this grant will facilitate the construction of the new pickleball facility, significantly expanding the community’s recreational options.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Jennifer Holland, executive director of SPRD, highlighted the importance of external funding.
“Having access to an additional source of funding is critical to the growth and prosperity of SPRD. While property taxes and local levies subsidize a portion of our expenses, the ability to secure outside funding is crucial to meet the needs of this growing community.” – (Jennifer Holland)
Bob Winn, PVTC Treasurer, added,
“We have a growing base of pickleball enthusiasts, and we wanted to find a way to expand the court capacity in the area. Having a certified non-profit like the SOAR Foundation allowed us to transfer the full value of our land to a worthy cause. We see this as a win-win for the community.” – (Bob Winn)
Pickleball: A Sport for All Ages
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, is played on a smaller court with either singles or doubles formats. The game, requiring less agility than tennis, is accessible to players of all ages, making it a popular choice for kids and seniors. The expansion of pickleball facilities in Sisters promises to further boost the sport’s accessibility and appeal.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Expansion in Sisters
Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, has seen a 51.8% increase in participation from 2022 to 2023, with significant growth among those aged 65 and older. In Sisters, Oregon, a creative land donation by Pine Valley Tennis Club to the SOAR Foundation has facilitated the sale of land for $333,000, which will fund the construction of eight new pickleball courts.
The Sisters Park & Recreation District awaits a $750,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to support this expansion. The new facility aims to meet the increasing demand for pickleball in the community.
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