EUGENE, OR — The Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation (based in Eugene, Oregon) was recently awarded a $50,000 “Play it Forward” grant from USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in the United States. The $50,000 grant will be used to help fund the construction of the Regional Pickleball Complex at Lane Community College, starting in Summer 2026.

The grant also signals USA Pickleball's ongoing partnership with the Foundation in hosting large regional tournaments in our community. In its work with Travel Lane County, the Foundation knows that each large tournament is expected to bring $1.5 million in direct benefit to the local economy, and an additional $1 million of indirect benefit. The endorsement of the project by USA pickleball is important as the Foundation continues to bring more funding partners to the table. 

"Travel Lane County is thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation and USA Pickleball," said J.B. Carney, Senior Director of Sports at Travel Lane County. "The new Regional Pickleball Complex will not only provide a much-needed home for our local players but will also allow us to welcome major tournaments that drive millions of dollars into our local economy. This project is a major win for community health and economic vitality in Lane County."

Launched through USA Pickleball Serves, the organization’s charitable arm, the Play It Forward grant program is designed to fund impactful court enhancement projects in under-resourced or high-demand areas. This year marks the first time USA Pickleball Serves has awarded monetary grants.
 
“The ‘Play it Forward’ grant is an opportunity for USA Pickleball Serves to meet the moment and assist communities in need of places to play,” said Brenda Puga, Director of Community Relations at USA Pickleball. “USA Pickleball Serves is committed to supporting court enhancements and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and levels. For the first time we are excited to award two organizations with a $50,000 grant each and put the funds in their court(s).”

The Foundation expects the new courts at Lane Community College to help the estimated 4,000 players in the area find a place to play. The new courts are designed to be ADA accessible and inclusive in every way, and 10 of the courts will be covered, allowing for play in most types of weather and lengthening the outdoor pickleball season. Amenities will include restrooms, water fountains, benches, shade structures, and bicycle parking.

While the Foundation has made incredible progress in raising funds for the complex, it still has a way to go. Ideally, the Foundation would build the entire 24-court complex and all amenities in Summer 2026, which would be the most efficient and cost-effective approach. However, if needed, the Foundation is prepared to phase the project. If additional funds are secured, the Foundation may be able to build the full complex all at once. The Foundation’s plans have been intentionally designed to be scalable, allowing it to deliver impact now while continuing to build toward the full vision.

This is a pivotal moment for the fundraising campaign. Every additional contribution will help the Foundation build more of the project in Summer 2026. By investing in this portion of the project today, donors will be helping lay the foundation for a world-class pickleball complex that will serve generations to come. Let’s build something extraordinary—together. To donate, visit https://www.evpickleballfoundation.com/donate.

Contact Emerald Pickleball Foundation 

Eric Wold, Board Member, Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation | 541-914-6532 | eric.n.wold@gmail.com     

The mission of the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation is to advance the sport of pickleball in Lane County, Oregon by increasing access to facilities and educational programs.

Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation |1056 Green Acres Rd, #259, Eugene, OR, 97408 |https://www.evpickleballfoundation.com/