Pickleball Funding in Jefferson County: The Jefferson County Council has allocated $370,000 in federal funding to enhance local infrastructure and tourism. This allocation includes $300,000 for new pickleball courts at the High Ridge Civic Center and $70,000 for a tourism marketing campaign.
Of the total funds, $300,000 is earmarked for improvements at the High Ridge Civic Center, including the addition of two new outdoor pickleball courts. Tim Pigg, the county’s Parks and Recreation director, noted that the new courts will be constructed adjacent to three existing multipurpose courts, which are also used for basketball and in-line hockey.
The project will also address stormwater remediation issues and parking lot improvements. Pigg mentioned that although a timeline for the project isn’t set, the department plans to seek contractor bids soon.
Tourism Boost
The remaining $70,000 will support a matching grant to promote Jefferson County’s attractions. Don Bolinger, treasurer of the Jefferson County Tourism Commission, explained that the funds will be combined with local city contributions to match a $120,000 Missouri Division of Tourism grant. This grant will fund social media marketing, radio, television commercials, and billboards. The enhanced marketing efforts are expected to boost local business and community engagement.
“Jefferson County stepped up to match those (local funds from municipalities) so we could use the full grant from the state of Missouri. (The matching grant) will be used for everything from social media marketing, radio marketing, television commercials and billboards.” – (Bolinger)
“Tourism benefits everybody. It promotes growth in our county – it helps businesses, gas stations, hotels, everything in our county – which, in turn, all comes back to the residents.” – (Bolinger)
Increased Funding and Impact
The total $240,000 allocated for tourism represents a $140,000 increase from last year’s budget. This year’s funding includes a $2,500 grant from the Missouri Division of Tourism for asset procurement, allowing the commission to hire a local photographer for promotional materials. Bolinger highlighted that the commission’s analytics have improved, resulting in a larger grant and increased marketing capabilities.
News in Brief: Pickleball Funding in Jefferson County
Jefferson County Council has allocated $370,000 in federal funds for new pickleball courts and a tourism campaign. $300,000 will fund two new outdoor pickleball courts and facility upgrades at the High Ridge Civic Center. The remaining $70,000 will support a matching grant to boost local tourism marketing, leveraging a $120,000 Missouri Division of Tourism grant.
This year’s tourism budget increases to $240,000, significantly more than last year’s $100,000, thanks to enhanced city and county contributions. The additional funding includes a $2,500 grant for a local photographer to aid in marketing efforts.
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