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McCook has many indoor Pickleball players who have been asking for an outdoor court. The City of McCook does not have funds available for a court in this year's budget and with a budget crunches in sight, has no plans to create one.
Pickelball is a lively racket game for all ages and abilities played with two or four players. Pickleball was created with one thing in mind: FUN. It was designed to be easy to learn whether you're five, eighty-five or somewhere in between. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was organized to promote the growth and development of Pickleball, on both a national and international level.
The McCook Rotary has found a perfect spot for the Pickleball court, Russell Park, located at 1100 East 5th, in McCook. Rotary has the blessing of the City of McCook to create the court, as well as the blessing of the park benefactors, the Russell family. The spot chosen already has a concrete slab to support the dimensions of the two courts which will put us one step ahead of making the Pickleball courts a reality for our community. Through this grant, Rotary of McCook will support the community of McCook through community development - adding a family friendly environment for the community to relax and enjoy the outdoors in fellowship.
Rotary members and the community's Pickleball players will donate their labor and time, along with some funds to creating the Pickleball courts. Total cost of the two courts is $892 of which $669 is being requested as a District 5630 Contribution (DDF) through this grant, with the remaining $223 as the McCook Rotary Club's responsibility. The funds requested will purchase the following items:
2 USAPA Portable Pickleball Net Systems @ $180 per system = $360
2 Rally TYRO 2 Pickleball Paddle set of 4 @ $130/ea set = $260
2 Dura Outdoor Pickleball Ball Packs (6 pack) @ $16 per pack = $32
1 Storage Box for equipment = $166
1 lock for Box = $19
1 Sign for Rotary's contribution = $55
The paint for the court is being donated by ACE Hardware so is not listed as a direct expense for the project. The Courts will be sponsored by the McCook Rotary Club but remain on City of McCook property. The upkeep of the park and liability of the park and courts will remain the responsibility of the City of McCook. The upkeep of the painted court and equipment will be the responsibility of Rotary; falling on a chosen group of Rotarians and Pickleball players. The equipment will be checked out through this group who have assumed the responsibility and upkeep of the equipment/equipment box. A sign will be set to establish the Rotary of McCook has donated the court and the equipment to the City of McCook for community use. Completion date of this project is August 31st.
Once the court has been officially finished and open to the public, Rotarians and Pickleball players are planning to hold a picnic in honor of the court, using this time to spread the word of the good works of Rotary.
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