By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bill Fecht knows nothing about pickleball. But he does know pickles.
So when the manager of Hartung Brothers pickle plant in Bowling Green was asked about contributing to the building of outdoor pickleball courts, Fecht decided the bread and butter of his business had a sweet connection with the sport.
“Who better to donate money than pickle people,” Fecht said Wednesday afternoon as he announced Hartung’s contribution of $20,000 to sponsor one of the proposed pickleball courts planned outside of the city’s community center.
With acres of giant tanks of pickles in the background, Fecht was surrounded by appreciative pickleball players – all promising to teach him the game.
Pickleball fans from Bowling Green have been asking for six outdoor courts next to the community center on Newton Road. The city agreed to dedicate $150,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act funds for the pickleball courts.
The goal is to raise at least $400,000 for the project.
Bob Kreienkamp has been seeking pickleball donations throughout the community – with Hartung being the first to come through with funding.
“I’ve been to all the banks and several other businesses in town,” he said. “I haven’t given up yet.”
According to the local Pickleball Advisory Group, the times available for players inside the community center are limited since those courts are also used for other activities. The advisory group agrees that outdoor courts are the answer – and are already available in many surrounding communities.
“All of the pickleball people in town end up going to Perrysburg or Holland to play,” said Karen Grove, a member of the advisory group.
Kreienkamp and Grove stressed that pickleball is not just for retirees.
“Younger people are really getting involved in the sport,” Grove said.
Kreienkamp is hoping the Hartung donation will encourage others in the community to contribute to the project.
The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Foundation has suggested the following donation levels:
- $200,000 to put the name of a company or individual on the entire pickleball complex.
- $20,000 to sponsor each of the six courts.
- Shade sails or shelter – cost unknown.
- $3,500 for benches with a plaque affixed to the bench.
- $1,500 for trees, with a plaque by the tree or on a sign at the complex.
All monies will be donated through the non-profit BGPR Foundation. Anyone interested may contact Kristin Otley, parks and recreation director, at 419-354-6225 or kotley@bgohio.org.
The courts would be constructed in the green space to the west of the community center, between the facility and Haskins Road. The site would have access to the center’s parking and restrooms.
Grants have been sought to help with the project, and the bulk of the money raised at last year’s Party for the Parks fundraiser was dedicated to the pickleball project.
