Pinetop Lakeside pickleball club pledges $100,000 toward planned outdoor courts; town staff to seek matching grant

The Pinetop Lakeside Pickleball Club told the Pinetop Lakeside Town Council on July 2025 that it has committed to raise at least $100,000 toward an expanded outdoor pickleball facility and expects town staff to include that contribution in a grant application to Arizona Parks and Trails.

The pledge came during a presentation by Mark Dilts, board president of the Pinetop Lakeside Pickleball Club, who said the club has more than 400 members this summer and is operating year-round after expanding in 2023. "This summer, we have over 400 members playing at the gym," Dilts said. He also said the club has taught between about 100 and 150 beginners since it began free lessons in 2023.

Club leaders and public works staff described a project concept that would add eight outdoor courts, paid parking and a small restaurant building to replace portable restrooms. Dilts said the club and public works have a partnership and that the club has committed to raise at least $100,000 by October to be included in a November grant proposal. "Our board has set a goal of raising an additional $100,000 to make sure that Matt and his team have the resources necessary to complete this project in a single phase," Dilts said.

Why it matters: the club and town are framing the project as both a community recreation resource and a potential tourism draw. Dilts said the facility could be used by local schools and host tournaments that bring visitors and spending to town.

Details and timeline: Dilts described fundraising activities that began in March and have included a monthly 50/50 raffle, a tournament, a Memorial Day silent auction and T-shirt sales. He said the club has served at least 500 players using three indoor courts over the last year and that demand has forced the club to add evening hours. Town staff indicated they will prepare a grant package to Arizona Parks and Trails in November that would pair the club's cash with public works in‑kind labor and equipment; Dilts said staff expect a 100% match and a possible construction start in 2026.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members thanked the club for its partnership in maintaining the gym and for fundraising. Mayor Stephanie Erwin and staff noted the next step is to finalize a design that the council and staff approve before grant submission. No formal council vote or funding commitment was made during the presentation.

What was not resolved: specific budgetary commitments by the town beyond the described in‑kind public works contribution were not formalized on the record, and the grant award is contingent on Arizona Parks and Trails’ decision. Dilts described the $100,000 figure and timeline as the club's fundraising goal; the club said it expects to meet that goal but the town has not independently verified the amount.

Community context: club leaders and staff framed the project as meeting growing local demand — Dilts called pickleball "the fastest growing sport in the country" and said the club has expanded to year-round operations since 2023. The council agreed to continue design work with staff and the club.