Thanks in part to a grant from USA Pickleball, the foundation is building a new pickleball facility.
FEATURE
Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation Wants to See TrackTown USA Become a Haven for Pickleball
Thanks in part to a grant from USA Pickleball, the foundation is building a new pickleball facility.
By STEVE DRUMWRIGHT
Eugene, Oregon, is known for a few things.
Not only is it home to the University of Oregon, but the city also has earned the title of TrackTown USA for hosting numerous national and international track and field championships.
But if Alicia Hays and Eric Wold have any say in the matter, Eugene will take on another persona— at least regionally— with a pickleball park that the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation is planning and building.
Emerald Valley recently earned a key piece of funding toward its $ 7 million facility when the foundation received one of two $ 50,000 Play It Forward grants from USA Pickleball Serves, the charitable arm of USA Pickleball.
“ This grant means a lot to us, not only because of the actual cash, but having the endorsement of USA Pickleball is really important for our organization, for the success of our complex,” said Wold, an Emerald Valley board member and secretary who spearheaded the grant effort.
“ It’ s a big complex. So it’ s about a $ 7 million project with 24 courts designed for the thousands of people locally who play. But from the get-go, we want it to be tournament-ready for the biggest tournaments and also to be one of the most accessible complexes in the country— accessible for people with limited mobility— whether they’ re players or spectators.”
Construction on the 24 courts is expected to begin in the spring, with the hope of opening in the fall of 2026. Most of the logistics have been squared away, with land donated by Lane Community College at its athletic complex and situated near the baseball diamond.
Fourteen of the courts, including two for marquee and championship matches, will be uncovered, while 10 will be protected from rain or snow, allowing action to take place year-round. The land was sitting unused and is adjacent to plentiful parking for the greater complex. The location is ideal, too, as the site is just off Interstate 5, which is the border between Eugene and Springfield, thus being attractive and accessible for players outside of the city.
60 TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE. COM