Thompson Falls Pickleball Club (TFPC) has come a long way in their endeavor to help restore the dilapidated courts that are located near the high school. Nearly a year ago, TFPC was approved as a 501c3 nonprofit organization in order to find support from those in the community who shared the same dream of seeing the courts restored.

After working tirelessly to raise funds for repairs, Nancy Fields with TFPC said the Frisbee Morbella Foundation came through with a grant that helped cover the resurfacing of the courts, the primary cost the club was needing help with. "It was a very generous grant," Fields said.

For those who have paid a visit to the courts, people will see a newly resurfaced playing area, a fresh coat of paint and new nets. However, Fields says the work is far from over. "We will be fundraising for future improvements," she said. "We are looking at adding some benches, a picnic table and something to add some shade." The club is also looking into signage, so visitors know to clean up after themselves.

The club is looking down the road to host an open house to let the community see the improvements and hear about the story of how it all started. "The courts are open to the public and are ready to be used," said Sue Borrego with TFPC. "The nets are there. People just need a paddle and balls. They can play anytime now."

Kirk Peden with Hill Country Tennis and Tracks out of Corvallis was the contractor brought in to assess the work that needed to be done with the area. "He has 27 years of experience with surfacing tracks, tennis and pickleball courts," Borrego said. "He was great to work with. He did an outstanding job with the neglected asphalt base. Given what he had to work with, he did an amazing job."

Both Fields and Borrego say they are proud of the work that has been accomplished and hope the community feels the same way and will do their part in helping take care of the courts. "Since the nets have gone up, we see people playing every day," Borrego said.

Fields says TFPC members will continue to play three days a week until the weather changes, but even then, she says they will still have a hard time staying away from the game. "As long as we have a dry court, I'll play," she said.

Go to TFPC on Facebook for updates and future fundraising events.