Eugene residents are rallying behind a major recreational project that could put the city on the map as a Pacific Northwest pickleball hub. The Emerald Valley Pickleball Club, the nonprofit arm of a group that introduced the sport to Meadow Park in Springfield and Westmoreland Park in Eugene, is less than $1 million short of its $6.2 million fundraising target for a 24‑court complex at Lane Community College.
Fundraising momentum builds
Since the effort began in 2021, donors have contributed tens of thousands of dollars, and a local couple, 92‑year‑old Buzz Summers and his wife Joyce, donated a four‑unit rental house valued at $575,000. The house will remain a rental property until it is sold, with the foundation receiving the net proceeds after expenses.
In addition to private gifts, the project already benefits a $750,000 contribution from the city of Eugene, $500,000 from Lane County, a $25,000 grant from USA Pickleball, and a $500,000 matching pledge from Peak Credit Union. The credit union’s donation also secures naming rights, with the facility slated to be called the Peak Credit Union Regional Pickleball Complex, or simply “The Peak.”
Why a dedicated complex matters
Pickleball’s popularity has surged nationwide, and the sport’s low‑impact nature makes it accessible to families, seniors, and newcomers alike. Existing courts at Meadow and Westmoreland Parks have become overcrowded, prompting club president Tina Mickelson to push for a larger venue that can host regional tournaments and accommodate everyday players.
Unlike many tennis‑court conversions, the proposed complex will require new construction on a stretch of grass at Lane Community College. The site is planned to sit 1,400 feet from the nearest residences, addressing noise concerns raised by some neighbors about the sport’s distinctive “dink” sound.
Community support and next steps
After a successful fundraising event on August 6, Mickelson said the foundation is “much closer to its goal.” While she did not disclose individual donation amounts, she noted that supporters have been contributing between $10,000 and $20,000, and that several larger gifts remain undisclosed.
Peak Credit Union President and CEO David Tuyo called the project “a long‑term initiative that we can support,” adding that there is “no reason why we can’t have a world‑class facility in our local area to help support this amazing community.”
The Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation has pledged not to borrow or incur debt for the construction, preferring to wait for the full donation amount before breaking ground. With the $500,000 matching gift from Peak Credit Union set to expire at the end of the year, organizers hope to secure the remaining funds quickly and begin construction in 2027.
Looking ahead
When asked about the timeline, Mickelson said, “This time next year, we’re going to be playing pickleball at LCC.” She likened the fundraising effort to a harvest, saying, “Honestly, I kind of feel like a little bit of a farmer because we’re harvesting now, but we planted for two or three long years.”
Should the project move forward as planned, the 24‑court complex would rank among the largest in the region, comparable to The Flying Pickle in Post Falls, Idaho, and just two courts shy of Seattle’s Side Out Tsunami Pickleball Center.
Local leaders and volunteers continue to urge Eugene residents to contribute, emphasizing that a world‑class facility will not only serve athletes but also draw visitors and boost the local economy.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
