New Pickleball Courts Coming to Fieldale Recreation Center Thanks to Harvest Foundation Grant
- BTW21
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Fieldale, Va. (BTW21) — A new set of pickleball courts is slated to open this summer at the historic Fieldale Recreation Center, thanks in large part to a $25,000 grant from The Harvest Foundation’s PUP (Pick Up the Pace!) Small Grants program.
The project marks the latest step in revitalizing one of the community’s most cherished public spaces.
The funding will transform an underused basketball court into three dedicated pickleball courts — a move that supporters say will promote active living, foster community connections, and bring people of all ages together around one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
“The Harvest Foundation’s investment in new pickleball courts in Fieldale is about more than just the sport — it represents a meaningful commitment to the community,” said India Brown, program officer at The Harvest Foundation.
“By expanding recreation opportunities and creating welcoming spaces, this project helps strengthen community ties, promote healthy living, and provide residents of all ages with a place to gather, connect, and enjoy being active together.”
The project is led by Fieldale Heritage Inc., a nonprofit working to restore and modernize the Fieldale Recreation Center and Pool complex.
John Garland, president of the organization’s board of directors, called the grant a major milestone.
“We’re incredibly grateful to receive the $25,000 PUP grant, which allows us to transform a basketball court into three pickleball courts,” Garland said. “This project is a huge win for the Fieldale community. It promotes active living, encourages social connection, and provides a much-needed recreational outlet for residents of all ages.”
In addition to the Harvest Foundation grant, local sponsor Ace Northwest Hardware has contributed $6,000 toward fencing and surface improvements for the courts.
The project also benefits from partnerships with organizations such as the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, MHC After 3, and area churches, all of which plan to utilize the courts for youth programming, intergenerational events, and league play.
The courts are expected to open later this summer, joining other recent upgrades at the Fieldale Recreation Center, including the restoration of the public swimming pool — the last remaining public pool in Martinsville-Henry County.
“This investment will not only revitalize an underused space,” Garland added, “but also brings people together in a fun, healthy, and engaging way.”
For updates on the project or to get involved, visit the Fieldale Recreation Center on Facebook.