WYRZ.org 98.9 WYRZ – The Voice of Hendricks County
INDIANAPOLIS – Richmond residents and visitors will soon have more opportunities to enjoy pickleball, an exciting game for all ages and skill levels, thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is sponsored by theIndiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity. The campaign is led by a group of pickleball enthusiasts, in partnership the Chamber Center for Excellence, Inc.
“Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “The beauty of this game is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The best part, it will bring Richmond residents and visitors together for a fun, social way to exercise.”
If the campaign reaches its $39,000 goal by November 30, 2018 the ‘Richmond Pickleball’ project will receive a matching grant of $39,000 from IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.
Click here for project details and to donate.
The funding raised from this campaign will allow the project team to turn underutilized tennis courts in Clear Creek Park into eight pickleball courts. The game is increasing in popularity all across the country, and pickleball enthusiasts in Richmond want to make sure local residents have an opportunity to try the relatively new sport. This project will continue the revitalization of Clear Creek Park, following the Dream Basketball Court and the more recent Sensory Playground.
“Our small group of pickleball enthusiasts is thrilled to bring eight new pickleball courts to Clear Creek Park if our crowdfunding campaign is successful,” said Sue Miller, project manager for Richmond Pickleball. “This shows the power of collaborative efforts between public and private partnerships and we are excited for the opportunity to introduce more people in Richmond to pickleball – creating a place which fosters exercise, camaraderie and sense of community.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began last fall, projects have raised in excess of $1,935,000 in public funds and an additional $1,565,000 in matching IHCDA funds.
The CreatINg Places program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and Local Units of Government are eligible to apply.
Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should they successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
