The Pay-it-Forward concept tells us that we can make a difference in the lives of others. It tells us that when someone is kind to us, it’s a good idea to repay the kindness by “paying it forward.”  This same concept is no stranger to our pickleball community, so we have coined the phrase, “Play It Forward”.  

 

We see this happening every day on our courts, when players remember they were once newbies and offer to play with beginners and others striving to improve their game.

 

Our pickleball community is powered by many volunteers who believe in Playing It Forward with their precious time.  Leagues, tournaments, and events would not happen without volunteers giving of themselves. 

 

A significant example played out in 2019 when many came together, gifting money and in-kind gifts that built this wonderful facility that has become well known across the country. In addition to monetary and in-kind gifts, many hours of sweat equity were given during the initial build, without which we wouldn’t have PicklePlex. All, including many from out of state, were investing in a dream which is now our reality. Truly remarkable when you think about it.

 

PicklePlex needs to grow to keep it in the forefront of the pickleball world. 

 

You might ask why, and why now? 

 

Let’s start with some facts.

  

Pickleball grew in 2020 to 4.2 million players in the US, an incredible growth rate of 21.3% from 2019, per the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) 2021 Participation Report, released in Feb. 2021. PicklePlex membership growth has greatly exceeded expectations, translating into longer wait times for an open court. While not necessarily a bad thing (we get to make new friends while waiting), we love to play and play and play.

 

Because of this tremendous growth, there will be significant pressure on our courts and increase wait times dramatically, unless we grow our beautiful venue.

 

Additional courts will allow us to offer lessons, clinics, leagues, and camps, without disrupting the play on the front 16 courts.

 

So, trying to keep up with demand and stay true to our vision of being a premier state-of-the-art pickleball destination, we believe now is the time to start Phase II.  Our vision for Phase II includes 8 new courts and a picnic area.  (Phase III follows in the future and includes a cover for the 8 courts that will provide protection from the sun and rain.) It also includes a building to house restrooms, concession area, and pro-shop.

 

There is also no question that maintaining our “premier status” helps our local economy (you know, our friends, neighbors and families) by having a significant economic impact on the area. One can also argue that it helps maintain our home values, as more and more people specifically look for housing accessible to pickleball. It is that popular!

 

So, here is your opportunity to “Play It Forward” with a gift, continuing the dream of having a state-of-the-art facility with reasonable wait times.

 

Join us and make this dream a reality.