USA Pickleball Announces Winners of 2025 Play It Forward Court Grant Program

USA Pickleball has announced the recipients of its 2025 Play It Forward Court Grant program, awarding two $50,000 grants to support community-driven pickleball court development efforts in Eugene, Oregon, and South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Launched through USA Pickleball Serves, 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 USAP 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. “USAP 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 Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation in Eugene is developing a 24-court Regional Pickleball Complex on the Lane Community College campus. The complex will feature 10 covered courts, two championship courts with spectator seating and design elements to ensure ADA accessibility. The facility will serve players across the region and host events ranging from local play to national tournaments.

“We are incredibly grateful to USA Pickleball for awarding our Foundation a generous $50,000 grant,” said Eric Wold, board member and secretary of the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation. “This support will contribute to our ability to construct a 24–court pickleball complex on the campus of Lane Community College in Eugene that will be open to the public and that will be built to host local, regional and national tournaments. We are so excited to have USA Pickleball as a funding partner on this project.”

Friends of Buttery Brook Park/South Hadley Pickleball will use the grant to construct four new dedicated courts, bringing the total to eight. With over 3,000 expected users and 110,000 annual park visitors, the expanded facility will allow for more play opportunities, community events and inclusive programming.

“Receiving the Play It Forward grant is a game changer for our community,” said Kim Prough, president of Friends of Buttery Brook Park. “We would not be in a position to complete our courts without it. We are truly grateful to USA Pickleball.”