Truckee, CA, is about 25 miles southeast of Rena, NV, and has three public outdoor courts in Palisades on its north shore. Kilner Park on the west shore also offers a few courts. Recently, six additional courts were inaugurated between Kings Beach and Tahoe City.
In private communities like Tahoe Donner, residents must be residents to access the pickleball courts. Unfortunately, no public courts are available for residents of Glenshire, Prosser Lakeside, Sierra Meadows, or Winter Creek.
“Not A Phenomenon; It’s An Epidemic”
This lack of court is why Susan Safipour, the Communications Director of the Truckee Tahoe Pickleball Club, along with her husband Fred, are advocating strongly for public access to pickleball courts.
“We used to say it’s not a fad; it’s a phenomenon. Now we say it’s not a phenomenon; it’s an epidemic,” remarked Susan Safipour regarding the surging popularity of Pickleball.
“We love pickleball because of its drop-in format that allows players to meet new people and make new friends every time they play. In this unique and powerful way, the sport weaves the community together, building connections and enriching our town,” she added.
Seen The Light
Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District has seen the light and allocated land at River View Sports Park for the Safipours and potential volunteers to establish a 17-court pickleball complex.
Unlike other locations, these courts will be open to the public, accommodating all ages and skill levels. Alongside drop-in play, the complex will feature clinics, social events, and tournaments.
The estimated cost for the construction of courts, walkways, fencing, and tiered concrete seating is over $1 million. Safipour commented, “The Truckee Tahoe Pickleball Club, which has 220 members, is selling bricks, pavers, benches, and courts where donors can memorialize their messages for generations to come.”
Overwhelming Support
In June 2022, Susan and members of the TTPC initiated fundraising efforts and were overwhelmed by the community’s support. Local businesses and organizations, including the Truckee Tahoe Airport District and Rubicon and Fireside Pizza, have made substantial contributions.
Plans include situating the courts along the natural slope of the land providing tiered concrete seating for spectators. Numerous benches and tables, crafted from material donated by Truckee Tahoe Lumber Company, will be dispersed throughout the complex.
Generous Contribution
In October of this year, the Martis Camp Foundation granted $300,000 to the River View Sports Park’s Pickleball complex, nearly reaching their $1 million fundraising goal.
This generous contribution from the Martis Camp Foundation represents the largest award received for the project and brought the total donations to $970,000.
John Earnhardt, a board member of the Martis Camp Foundation, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This public complex has so much support, so we are thrilled to be able to bring the project over the finish line with this grant.”
“Beyond Thrilled”
Sven Leff, TDRPD’s General Manager, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are beyond thrilled to receive a grant of this level, which will ensure we can build a world-class facility.”
The Truckee Tahoe Pickleball Club intends to continue fundraising, recognizing that projects of this magnitude often exceed initial budget projections. The ultimate aim is to create an exceptional complex for the people of Truckee.
Final Permit Application
The complex is set to feature 16 tournament-sized courts, in addition to a championship stadium court expected to be named in honor of the Martis Camp Foundation.
The Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park plans to submit its final permit application to the Town of Truckee in December. Upon approval, the TDRPD aims to commence construction in the spring, with the courts slated to open for play in the summer of 2024.
“Pickleball is popular with all ages and walks of life and will bring the community together in a fun and healthy way,” says Safipour.
Pavers, bricks, and benches can be purchased through their website – they offer a variety of options to choose from!
