Pickleball Club Returns with Urgency to Winthrop Town Council Agenda

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Methow Valley Pickleball Club is returning to Winthrop Town Council tonight to ask the council to reconsider the club’s request to submit a grant applications to fund a new pickleball complex. The application is due April 30.

The pickleball complex would be behind the visitor information center and add eight covered outdoor pickleball courts next to the existing tennis courts. The club estimates each court would cost $120,000 with a total estimated construction cost of $1.2 million.

The club is also asking the town to grant use of the lot adjacent to the tennis courts for the pickleball complex.

The club is requesting permission to apply for a $500,000 grant from Washington State Recreation and Conservation Organization (RCO), the maximum allowed by RCO, while pursuing additional RCO and other grants in 2026 and 2027.

The RCO grant requires 10% in matching funds that the club said it would raise through discussions with the town, club contribution through fundraising, sponsorships, volunteer labor, and in-kind services.

The RCO grant requires the building be unenclosed and the courts playable nine months out of the year. The club said the complex would have a western theme and that they would hold community meetings for feedback on design and issues such as noise abatement.

The club is also seeking permission to apply for a grant from USA Pickleball to repair and resurface existing tennis courts. That application is due April 27.

Crowded Court

Currently, the club shares the courts with tennis players, which can result in overcrowding and wait times.

Methow Valley Pickleball Club President Jennifer Houston, addressing the town council via zoom on March 18, said there were 2,059 sign ups to play pickleball from April 1 to October 31 last year. The club has about 100 members from youth to over 80 years of age.

The pickleball club has maintained the tennis courts over the last eight years. At the last town council meeting, the council granted the club’s request to continue to maintain them at no cost to the town.

The club asked to apply for a grant from USA Pickleball that would fund repair to court surfaces due to root damage, elements, and wear and tear. That request will also be on tonight’s agenda.

Recreation Corridor

Houston advocated for a “recreation corridor” from the Winthrop Rink to Mack Lloyd Park and adjacent tennis courts and new pickleball facility, which the club envisions as a paddle and racquet complex called “The Corral.” The corridor would be connected via Riverwalk Trail.

Houston said the RCO grant looks favorably on connected recreational projects it has already funded.

The club would like to host bi-annual tournaments during shoulder seasons, which would boost revenue to local businesses. Houston said Manson holds two tournaments a year that attract about 250 players, in addition to family and friends, during the three day event.

Given its amenities, Winthrop could attract that many players or more, according to Houston.

Nationwide, more than 14,000 pickleball courts were built in 2024, according to the club.

“Investing in court facilities will have a positive impact on Winthrop’s community and are an opportunity for climate resilient tourism and economic growth,” according to the club’s presentation.

Push for Sooner Than Later

Winthrop Town Planner Rocklynn Culp said the proposed complex is near a wetland. With numerous considerations that have to be taken into account, such as bathrooms and parking, Culp doubted this could be completed before the April 30 grant application deadline.

She asked the council for guidance on priorities, since pickleball is not listed as a priority in the town’s park plan. The council also expressed doubt whether the application could be ready by April 30.

In their updated presentation to the town council tonight, the club notes that environmental reviews and Geotech surveys will happen after the award and cultural review, giving the project more time in these areas.

Houston said delaying the grant application means construction and completion would be pushed back to 2029, thereby missing out on recreational and economic opportunities.

Winthrop Town Council will hear updates from Methow Valley Pickleball Club tonight at 7 pm at Winthrop Barn. Agenda and zoom link can be found here.