Oak Hill Park Pickleball Group’s Fundraising: Over the summer, fundraising efforts among local pickleball enthusiasts have significantly accelerated. With a combination of community events and increased visibility, the group demanding permanent pickleball courts has now surpassed the halfway mark of their $180,000 target.
Back in late May, following an informative meeting, the group was only at one-quarter of the required funds needed to complete the full project, which aims to establish four courts in Oak Hill Park, recently enhanced with a new playground.
Community Perspective
Jan Frasher, a key advocate for the project, expressed the group’s vision.
“We just feel like we’re a part of the puzzle here. The park is just starting to develop. So, the playground was just the first piece of the puzzle. Now the pickleball courts, we feel like they’re going to be the second part of the puzzle.” – (Frasher)
Support for the Cascade Area Pickleballers has surged thanks to various initiatives, including pickleball clinics over the summer and a float in the Hometown Days parade. Recently, the club organized a successful Dinks and Dogs Night, which attracted over 40 attendees and featured a freewill donation for the cause.
Growing Popularity
Pickleball’s appeal continues to rise, particularly among seniors. Bud Johnson, owner of MinnTex Citrus in Monticello and an advocate for the sport, noted that the benefits extend beyond physical fitness.
“If we have our club, and we see somebody doesn’t show up and they’re there every day, somebody will actually check on them. It’s really a social family that develops through pickleball.” – (Johnson)
A Family Affair
The sport’s inclusive nature is highlighted by Frasher’s observation: “The whole family can do it, that’s what’s great about it.” Many supporters believe the courts will foster community growth. Tim Noonan emphasized this point, saying,
“The town’s got a lot of good traction going through other projects, this is just another one.” – (Noonan)
Julie Ripple, a relatively new player, articulated her desire to contribute:
“I want to leave something. With the help of big investors like this, it’s going to be possible.” – (Ripple)
The group has received approval from the city and aims to have the base for the courts laid down by this fall.
News in Brief: Oak Hill Park Pickleball Group’s Fundraising
Local pickleball advocates have made significant strides toward their fundraising goal of $180,000 for permanent pickleball courts in Oak Hill Park, now over halfway there. Community events, including clinics and a successful Dinks and Dogs Night, have boosted support.
Advocates emphasize the social benefits of the sport, particularly among seniors, and see the courts as a vital addition to community development. The city has approved the project, with plans to install the court base this fall.
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