Orono’s 800K Dollar Pickleball Project: Pickleball enthusiasts in Orono may soon see a new nine-court facility become a reality, thanks to the efforts of the Orono Parks Legacy (OPL). At an August 12 meeting, OPL member Caroline Melberg and Orono Parks Commissioner Alternate Sandra Rasmussen presented the West Lakes Pickleball Project, a community-driven initiative aimed at constructing a state-of-the-art pickleball facility behind Long Lake Fire Station 1, near The Donation Garden and the Holbrook neighborhood.
The project, which seeks to raise $800,000, is expected to be completed by 2025-26. OPL is actively seeking pledges and donations, offering sponsorship opportunities for individual courts, nets, and founding member plaques. Sponsorship levels include “silver, gold, and platinum” tiers, as well as options for corporate sponsors.
The proposed site for the facility is a $375,000 parcel of land, with access provided through Fire Station/Retinger Drive. The project plan includes parking for 40-50 vehicles, making it a convenient location for community members.
Orono has been exploring the possibility of adding pickleball courts since 2021 when the idea was first introduced to the Parks Commission. Initially, the city council approved a resolution to seek funding from the Hennepin County youth sports grant program in October 2022. The grant would have covered $200,000 (50%) of the project costs, with the city funding the remaining amount.
However, the proposal, which included six pickleball courts at the Orono Golf Course, was ultimately withdrawn following a petition signed by over 700 residents. Concerns about traffic, noise, and lighting disrupting the golf course’s rural character led to the search for an alternative location.
The new site at the Fire Station/Donation Garden area was chosen after extensive community feedback and planning. Melberg and Rasmussen highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball across a wide age range, as well as its potential to enhance social connections and combat loneliness. The project also aims to collaborate with Orono Community Education to offer pickleball programming.
OPL, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, has several members connected to Orono’s Park and Planning Commissions, including Rasmussen and OPL Treasurer Brian Roath, who serves as the Park Commission Chair. The group is currently working with the city to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will be available on OPL’s website once completed.
To further engage the community and promote the project, OPL will have a booth at James J. Hill Days from September 6-8 and will host an Open House at Wayzata Country Club on September 9. These events provide opportunities for residents to learn more about the project and contribute to its success.
News in Brief: Orono’s 800K Dollar Pickleball Project
Orono, MN, may soon boast a nine-court pickleball facility, driven by the Orono Parks Legacy (OPL) and community support. Presented on August 12, the West Lakes Pickleball Project aims to raise $800,000, with completion targeted for 2025-26. Located near Long Lake Fire Station 1, the site was chosen after a previous proposal for courts at Orono Golf Course was withdrawn due to community concerns.
OPL is actively seeking donations and sponsorships, offering various tiers. The project also plans to collaborate with Orono Community Education for pickleball programming, fostering social connections across the community.
