CONRAD — The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club recently exceeded its fundraising campaign for court upgrades in Beaman and Conrad. A sum of $75,000 was the aim, but community support from individuals and local businesses resulted in a figure of $89,536 being raised, with a total project cost of $87,251.

Conrad Chamber-Main Street Executive Director Heather Wilson, who is also a member of the pickleball club committee, said the money will be used to resurface and repair the existing courts in Beaman and complete the final touches on the new courts in Conrad, featuring an acrylic surface and clearly marked lines for gameplay.

“In Conrad, the courts are already open and awaiting the installation of new fencing, while in Beaman, the project has begun and the courts will soon be getting a new surface,” she said. “The growing popularity of pickleball in the area is evident, with around 50 dedicated players regularly filling the courts. The Wolf Creek Pickleball Club is committed to providing a premier playing experience for the community, and the upgraded courts will make them a destination for pickleball enthusiasts.”

Wolf Creek Pickleball Club Fundraising Chair Chad Dielschneider noted that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, according to reports by USA Pickleball and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

“In the summer, it was utilized daily with unofficial league play three times per week. Once the courts are complete, it is the club’s mission to promote the facility and sport by hosting clinics and sponsoring leagues and tournaments,” he said.

These players range in age from 10 to over 80.

“There are currently 10,062 people in the county that fit this age group. Although the entire county (Grundy) would benefit from the facility, more precisely, with Dike providing facilities for the northern one third of the county and Grundy Center the middle one third, this facility will directly serve the bottom one third of Grundy County,” he said.

Wolf Creek Pickleball Club formed in July of 2024. This year, via membership dues, the club expects revenue of $2,500 to be used to sponsor clinics and events promoting the sport and to further enhance the facilities.

“The impact of this project extends beyond the pickleball courts, fostering a sense of community and promoting active lifestyles for people of all ages. The upgraded courts will provide a welcoming space for residents to gather, socialize, and stay active, positively impacting local businesses, community events, and overall quality of life,” Wilson said. “The club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the community and local businesses for their generous donations. Additionally, the club is grateful to its dedicated committee members who volunteered their time and effort to secure donations for this project. Their tireless work and commitment to the cause were instrumental in achieving the fundraising goal.”

In State Center, concrete has been laid for its pickleball courts at Kauffman City Park.

“I think the final completion is scheduled for Sept. 30, and we hope to have the fencing up and the posts and the nets and all that done by that time. But with the rain that comes every other day, it’s a little tough to get stuck in the ground,” said State Center City Clerk Lori Bearden.

She noted the city doesn’t plan to put an acrylic coating on it until next year sometime, because the people who do the acrylic coatings are so far behind in their work.

“But we will put temporary striping down so it can be played on, but we won’t have the nice acrylic surface,” Bearden added. “It a little bit smoothes out any roughness that might be in the concrete, that kind of thing. And it also helps designate the playing area.”

She added that both the general fund plus a local Kauffman Trust that gives out grants toward recreational and economic development projects each year, are funding the project.