Fundraising climbs for new pickleball courts at Tuscora Park
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Feb. 17, 2022) – The city is moving closer to having a designated space at Tuscora Park for a recreational activity gaining in popularity.
The Tuscora Park Foundation is progressing with plans to install four pickleball courts near the tennis courts at the park.
Foundation President Mike Ernest says the idea came at the request of a group of local enthusiasts.
“They made it very clear a couple of years back that they wanted their own courts and they also made it clear to us what we were missing, that this is an emerging sport that many people already like and play.”
Ernest says the project cost is just over $200,000. The foundation has about $85,000 for it so far.
“The fundraising I think has gone well. It’s an idea we have found many people in the community are welcoming and have been willing to donate for.”
Ernest thinks they could have the total amount raised possibly in the spring. He says construction of the courts could take about two months after that.
“It’s a contractor we’ve worked with before and we are confident they’ll be able to hit the ground running once we’ve reached our goal.”
Ernest says the Tuscora Park Foundation intends to generate the rest of the total through grant awards and contributions. There’s a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the cause this Saturday from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Tuscora Park Pavilion.