Pickleball club offers to help fund and fast-track more courts; parks staff points to 2031 budget timeline

Moscow — Members of the Palouse Pickleball Club told the City Council on Dec. 16 that the nonprofit can apply for grants and help the city develop additional outdoor courts, but city staff said the parks capital schedule currently lists courts for 2031 and advised the group on steps that could move projects forward sooner.

Two club members introduced themselves at the podium and said the group has worked as a nonprofit to improve outdoor courts at Gormley Park and wants to partner with the city to expand pickleball infrastructure for all ages and tournaments. They asked how best to work with the city to identify sites, make projects shovel-ready for grants, and accelerate delivery.

Mayor responded by encouraging the group to work directly with David Schott of the Parks Department, who can advise on donations and the process for placing items on the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda. "One good start is to talk to David Schott of the parks department and ask him how best to approach the issue," the mayor said.

Schott, the parks staff contact identified in the meeting, told the speakers that the parks department has limited staff and funds and that the department’s capital improvement schedule currently lists outdoor court improvements in 2031. He recommended the club help identify sites and, if it can raise or identify grant funds, coordinate with parks staff so the city can accept and manage those funds.

Councilmember Sandra suggested the Moscow Nonprofit Roundtable as another forum for the club to share plans and solicit collaboration from other local nonprofits. Several council members encouraged the club to continue working with Parks staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission and community partners to develop shovel-ready proposals that could improve their chances for outside grant funding.

No council action was taken.