Irrigon Pickleball Club: The new Irrigon Community Courts, dedicated to pickleball enthusiasts. The Irrigon Pickleball Club is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. to officially open the courts, located east of Marina Park off Northeast 12th Street.
Community Support and Celebration
Irrigon Pickleball Club Vice President Bobbie Veatch expressed her excitement about the event, noting that it will feature free hot dogs, sides, cake, water, and a live demonstration for newcomers interested in learning the game. “We are so happy with all the support,” Veatch said. “We ask everybody to come down and join us in this wonderful celebration.” The local pickleball community, which began informally in 2013 at A.C. Houghton Elementary School, has grown significantly over the years. What started with just five to eight players has blossomed into a thriving group, now with 55 members.
The Path to New Courts
The journey to the new courts began with the community’s growing need for better facilities. As the club’s membership and the number of tournaments increased, the existing turf was no longer sufficient. “We started collecting bottles and cans,” Veatch said, reflecting on the club’s early fundraising efforts. “We did plant and garage sales. We went out and asked for donations. And throughout all that, I mean, we didn’t know how much they were going to cost. We raised up to $12,000.”
Despite their efforts, the club realized it would need more funding to bring their vision to life. That’s when the Morrow County Unified Recreation District (MCURD) stepped in. The district, which funds recreational projects throughout the area, offered the club the opportunity to apply for a grant. In June 2023, the Irrigon Pickleball Club, in partnership with the Irrigon Park and Recreation District, presented a proposal to the MCURD board. The result was a $157,000 grant, which was awarded to fund the project. “We all came out, just stunned,” Veatch said. “We were so elated and excited and stunned at the same time. We couldn’t even believe it. We worked so hard for this.”
A Successful Partnership and Construction
Construction began in October 2023, with Rock Enterprise handling the build. By Nov. 6, the new courts were completed, and the community was ready to celebrate the results. The club used the $12,000 they had raised for essential items such as nets, poles, balls, and other equipment. The new Irrigon Community Courts now boast two dedicated pickleball courts, available free of charge to the public.
News in Brief: Irrigon Pickleball Club
The Irrigon Pickleball Club will officially open the new Irrigon Community Courts on Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will include free refreshments and a demonstration for newcomers. The club, which began in 2013 with a small group of players, has grown significantly over the years. The new courts were made possible by a $157,000 grant from the Morrow County Unified Recreation District and fundraising efforts by the club, totaling $12,000. The courts are open to the public and free to use.
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