Pickleball Fundraiser in Franklin: Franklin pickleball players are looking forward to brighter days on the courts at Youngs Creek Park. Thanks to the Franklin Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, plans are underway to install lights on the Monroe Street pickleball courts. The project, estimated at $150,000, will focus on ensuring the lights do not affect nearby homes or buildings, directing them solely onto the courts.
In a move to raise funds, the council is hosting a pickleball tournament on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. The entrance fee is set at $30 per pair, with two age divisions, and the event is free for spectators.
Fundraising Challenges and Community Support
Marnie Moore, the youth leadership council president, acknowledged the significant fundraising effort required. “It’s not going to get us $150,000 but it’s just hopefully to show that we’re putting in effort and trying to raise awareness of the project that we’re doing,” Moore said. Alongside fundraising, the council is pursuing grants and exploring potential city support.
Tara Payne, Franklin’s chief of staff and sponsor of the youth council, has secured an electrician willing to donate labor, helping to reduce project costs.
Why Pickleball?
The decision to focus on pickleball came after its growing popularity was highlighted by multiple council members. “I think we’ve all seen how pickleball has kind of blown up, and it’s just great how it’s gotten all ages of the community to come out and play together,” Moore explained. The council felt that enhancing accessibility by adding lights would benefit the community.
City Council member Todd Shuck endorsed the initiative, emphasizing its long-term value. “I believe this project will have a positive effect on the Franklin community because it will add more court time. As the days shorten, this will allow more time to play in the fall and spring,” Shuck said.
The Bigger Picture and Future Plans
Installed in 2022, the pickleball courts at Youngs Creek Park have quickly become a hub of activity, often filled starting at 8 a.m. For the youth leadership council, this project represents more than just lights—it’s a hands-on lesson in municipal development.
Payne outlined the council’s mission: “It’s about seeing the bigger picture and realizing how our efforts today shape the community of tomorrow. Empowering kids to lead city projects fosters a sense of responsibility and innovation and ensures fresh perspectives on community development.”
As for Moore, she is excited to see the project through. “I think I’m most excited that all the members of our council can participate and get to see the actual reward at the end of the project, seeing the lights on the court,” she said. The next steps involve securing grants and local business donations, with the goal of completing the project by the end of the school year.
News in Brief : Pickleball Fundraiser in Franklin
A pickleball tournament will be held Sunday at Youngs Creek Park in Franklin to raise funds for a $150,000 project to install lights on the courts. Organized by the Franklin Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, the event seeks to raise awareness for the project. Marnie Moore, the council’s president, noted the need for additional fundraising efforts. With pickleball’s increasing popularity, the project aims to provide more court time, especially during shorter days. The tournament starts at 1 p.m. and has a $30 entry fee per pair.
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