Travel Lane County awards funds to LCC for planned Regional Pickleball Facility

Pickleball fans have something to be excited about.

$50-thousand dollars is headed to Lane Community College (LCC), thanks to a charitable fund from Travel Lane County. Travel Lane County says the funds are intended for LCC’s planned Regional Pickleball Complex.

Travel Lane County is thrilled to see the first charitable fund distribution go to the planned Regional Pickleball Facility at Lane Community College,” noted Kari Westlund, President/CEO, Travel Lane County. “This facility is a perfect match for the vision the Travel Lane County Charitable Fund board foresaw when establishing a 501(c)(3) fund. The partnership between Lane County voters, Lane County, the City of Eugene, Lane Community College, Travel Lane County and other donor and sponsors will bring to life a facility that serves local residents while providing an opportunity to host tournaments that will bring economic impacts throughout the year.

Back in 2022, Lane County voters approved a tax lecy that will fund $500-thousand of the $5-million dollar complex. The Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation (EVPF) plans on financing the project through both public and private funds. The complex is set to include 10 covered courts to provide “all-weather play” opportunities, with a goal of 24 courts, 2 of which set to be “championship courts.” According to the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation, the new complex will “greatly expand opportunities for pickleball play in the region.”

“We are thrilled to have Travel Lane County as a partner on this project. This project will provide a much-needed place for local players to play, and it will also be a destination for tourism and travel into the Eugene/Springfield area”, said Eric Wold, board member of the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation (EVPF).

So far there are plans to break ground on the project in May 2025, with construction finished by fall 2025. LCC’s facility would be the largesy pickleball complex in the Pacific Northwest, according to EVPF.

For more information about the campaign click here.