Wolf Creek Club’s Ambitious Pickleball Fundraiser: The surge in pickleball’s popularity across the United States has catalyzed an ambitious fundraiser aimed at enhancing the pickleball courts in Beaman and Conrad, Iowa. With enthusiasm buzzing, the Wolf Creek Pickleball Club is rallying for donations to transform these courts into premier playing surfaces for the community.
Fundraising Goals and Community Support
The ambitious target for this project is set at $75,000. Fundraising Chair Chad Dielschneider has reported that the initiative has already secured about two-thirds of that goal through outreach to local businesses and organizations, alongside contributions from recent events such as Conrad’s Pumpkin Fest and Beaman’s Hunter’s Day Meals.
“The community support has been fantastic,” Dielschneider stated, exuding optimism. “Both cities recognize this and have people that want to pursue this, and we’ve got a fantastic group of volunteers heading up this fundraising committee.”
City Investments and Project Details
Local officials have already committed significant funds to these courts, with the City of Conrad investing approximately $60,000 to install a concrete slab and nets as part of the amenities at the Conrad Aquatic Center. The funding for the project will be divided 75-25 between Beaman and Conrad. Beaman’s courts will receive crucial repairs to fix surface cracks and will be resurfaced, complete with new lines for both the pickleball courts and the basketball hoops.
On the flip side, Conrad will focus its funds on finishing its new project, featuring an acrylic surface and clearly marked lines for gameplay. Dielschneider notes that this represents only the baseline of what can be accomplished with the $75,000 target. If the fundraising exceeds expectations, additional enhancements, such as fencing around the Conrad courts or expanding the Beaman courts to meet USA Pickleball Association standards, are on the table.
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball
The pickleball phenomenon is real, with around 9 million players in the United States, averaging an age of 38. From 2019 to 2022, participation soared by a staggering 158 percent. Dielschneider points out the trend: “Like other recreational activities such as swimming pools, trails, and libraries, pickleball courts are becoming a thing that people seek out when they look to move to a new town. It’s a very family-friendly recreational activity, and inexpensive.” He added, “No matter what age group you’re in, you can compete with other age groups.”
For Dielschneider, the journey into pickleball began with weekend trips to nearby towns like Steamboat Rock, Marshalltown, or Grundy Center, searching for a place to indulge his newfound passion. Now, he reports that around 50 dedicated players in Beaman and Conrad regularly fill the courts, especially during the summer months.
Fundraising Phases and Donation Information
Currently, the fundraiser is in its second of three phases. The pickleball club is gearing up to roll out merchandise in phase three, featuring T-shirts, hats, and even pickleball gear like bags, towels, and drink tumblers.
The deadline for donations is set for November 30. This timeline allows the group to engage contractors for the upcoming year. All donations are tax-deductible and can be mailed to PO Box 414 in Conrad, with checks made out to Conrad Chamber Main Street and marked “Pickleball Project” in the memo line.
News in Brief: Wolf Creek Club’s Ambitious Pickleball Fundraiser
The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club is raising funds to upgrade courts in Beaman and Conrad, aiming for $75,000 to resurface existing courts and finish new ones. Fundraising Chair Chad Dielschneider reports that community support has helped reach two-thirds of the goal. The funds will be split, with Beaman receiving repairs and resurfacing, while Conrad focuses on finalizing its courts. The project deadline for donations is November 30, with tax-deductible contributions welcome.
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