USA Pickleball Community Court Grants: USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body, has given two $50,000 “Play It Forward” grants to help build and improve pickleball courts in Eugene, Oregon, and South Hadley, Massachusetts. The grants will support large community projects designed to increase access to the sport for players of all ages.
The funding comes from USA Pickleball Serves, the organization’s charitable branch. This is the first year the Play It Forward program has given direct money grants to local groups.
“The ‘Play it Forward’ grant is an opportunity for USA Pickleball Serves to meet the moment and assist communities in need of places to play,”
said Brenda Puga, Director of Community Relations at USA Pickleball.
“USAP Serves is committed to supporting court enhancements and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and levels. For the first time we are excited to award two organizations with a $50,000 grant each and put the funds in their court(s).”
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Eugene, Oregon Project
The Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation in Eugene is creating a 24-court Regional Pickleball Complex at Lane Community College. Ten of the courts will be covered, and two will be championship courts with seating for spectators. All courts will be fully accessible for people with disabilities. The complex will host players from the Eugene-Springfield area and beyond, including national tournaments.
“We are incredibly grateful to USA Pickleball for awarding our Foundation a generous $50,000 grant,”
said Eric Wold, Board Member and Secretary of the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation.
“This support will contribute to our ability to construct a 24-court pickleball complex on the campus of Lane Community College in Eugene that will be open to the public and that will be built to host local, regional, and national tournaments.
We are so excited to have USA Pickleball as a funding partner on this project!”
South Hadley, Massachusetts Project
Friends of Buttery Brook Park, along with South Hadley Pickleball, will use their grant to add four dedicated courts to their existing facility, bringing the total to eight. The park is a popular pickleball location with open play, youth programs, and high school league matches. With more than 3,000 expected players and over 110,000 annual park visitors, the new courts will give more space for games and community events.
“Receiving the Play It Forward grant is a game changer for our community,”
said Kim Prough, President of Friends of Buttery Brook Park.
“We would not be in a position to complete our courts without it. We are truly grateful to USA Pickleball.”
Why These Projects Matter
Both projects match USA Pickleball Serves’ focus on building courts, encouraging youth play, and making the sport open to everyone. These new and improved facilities will give thousands of players more chances to enjoy pickleball and will help grow the sport in their regions.
News in Brief: USA Pickleball Community Court Grants
USA Pickleball gave two $50,000 “Play It Forward” grants to pickleball court projects in Eugene, Oregon, and South Hadley, Massachusetts. The funding will help build new courts, improve accessibility, and support community events, expanding opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.
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