Fundraising for Lake Pacawa pickleball courts underway
By Taylor Hale
PORTAGE COUNTY – A new fundraising campaign kicked off this summer aiming to bring 12 state-of-the art pickleball courts to Lake Pacawa Park in Plover.
The Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association (a Portage County based group) is spearheading the project. The group formed in 2020 and is led by Jay and Shelly Johnson.
“The budget estimate that Rettler Corporation has provided for the 12-court pickleball complex is $800,000,” said Jay Johnson. “Fundraising started in mid to late June with donations from the pickleball community.”
Part two of the fundraising campaign involves reaching out to area businesses to support the development, according to Johnson. The group sees the project as a way to bring in future tourism and economic growth.
“We will host events and tournaments,” Johnson said. “We are also working with the Boys of Girls Club of Portage County to offer lessons to kids.”
The Rettler Corporation will prepare bid documents this winter, and begin construction on the project in April 2022.
“Even if we don’t meet the full fundraising goal, we are going to start building. If we can’t build all 12 courts, we will start with as many as we can and build in phases,” Johnson explained.
The courts will feature lighting, handicap accessible pathways, and more.
To learn more about this project or the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association, email [email protected] or check out the group’s Facebook page.
Lake Pacawa is located at 1831 Maple Drive, Plover.