Pickleball Courts Makeover in Big Sky: Pickleball enthusiasts in Big Sky have mobilized this summer to address the deteriorating conditions of the community’s courts, which have been in use for over 40 years at the Big Sky Community Park. Mike Scholz, a local resident leading the renovation effort, emphasized the urgency.
“It got to the point where we said, we need to do something major to them, or we won’t have anything to play on next summer. They’re at the point where if they crack up much more, it would be dangerous to play on them.” – (Scholz)
Funding Challenges and Progress
Scholz’s group, composed of passionate tennis and pickleball players, identified a solution involving post-tension concrete with a 50-year warranty. The total project cost is approximately $1 million. To meet this target, the group aimed to assist the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO) in raising the funds within August.
Despite having only $720,000 secured by August 21, BSCO signed the construction contract to ensure work begins this fall, with a goal of completing the project by spring to preserve the 2025 summer season for players.
Renovation Details and Future Plans
The renovation will involve extensive work: replacing sidewalks, resurfacing courts, expanding pickleball facilities from six to eight courts, and refurbishing fences and nets. BSCO’s CEO, Whitney Montgomery, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project.
“This is a great collaboration between community donors and BSCO fundraising.” Beyond the courts, future plans include improvements to the tennis building, restrooms, parking lots, and possibly adding a retail pro shop.
Campaign and Remaining Funds
This renovation is part of BSCO’s All Out for Parks and Trails campaign, which also includes recent additions like a playground, skate park, and pump track. With approximately $6 million of the $15 million goal secured, including nearly $2 million from the Big Sky Resort Area District, the campaign has made notable progress since its July 2023 launch.
However, an additional $180,000 is still needed to fully fund the pickleball and tennis court project. Donations can be made through BSCO’s All Out website, noting contributions for the court renovation.
Montgomery and Scholz express enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact. Montgomery remarks,
“It’s going to be a great facility… We feel this investment is well worth it for our community.” – (Montgomery)
Scholz adds that pickleball’s growing popularity is a testament to its value.
“We are reaching out to anyone in the community that has an interest in pickleball or tennis, or has an interest in helping us complete a vital part of the park.” – (Scholz)
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Makeover in Big Sky
In Big Sky, a community-driven effort is underway to renovate aging pickleball and tennis courts at the Big Sky Community Park. With a project cost of $1 million, the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO) has raised $720,000 and signed a construction contract to ensure work begins this fall.
The renovation includes resurfacing courts, expanding pickleball facilities, and refurbishing amenities. The ongoing fundraising campaign has secured $6 million toward a $15 million goal, with $180,000 still needed. Donations can be made through BSCO’s website to support the project.
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