KELLOGG — A long-running effort to rehabilitate public pickleball courts in Kellogg received a significant funding boost through the Innovia Foundation's annual Community Grants Program.

Innovia recently announced it is awarding $1.3 million in grants to 125 organizations across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. The grants support projects focused on education and youth development, health and well-being, arts and culture, economic opportunity and quality of life.

Among the local recipients was Kellogg Project Uplift, which received a $10,000 grant for improvements to the pickleball courts located on Kellogg School District property adjacent to Silver Mountain Resort's Silver Rapids Waterpark.

The project stems from a partnership formed roughly three years ago between Silver Mountain Resort and the Kellogg School District. The organizations worked together to convert aging tennis courts into public pickleball courts, but deteriorating court conditions have limited the effectiveness of patching and repainting efforts.

Kellogg Project Uplift Director Paige Olsen said she has been working to identify funding sources for a more substantial rehabilitation project.

"I've been trying to help Silver Mountain (for a couple years now), secure funding to redo the tennis courts adjacent to them, next to Kellogg Middle School," she said. "They did attempt to paint and patch them to make them usable, but the surface is in such bad shape, that some heavier funding is needed to make them actually usable."

Olsen said the Innovia grant is one piece of a broader funding strategy that includes community partnerships and additional grant opportunities. She said that if the remaining funding falls into place, the facility could be ready for use next spring or summer.

She said the idea for the project originated with Silver Mountain and community stakeholders who recognized the need for a more extensive overhaul of the facility.

"While I'm a self-proclaimed dreamer and doer, it's always easier when the groundwork has already been laid and there's genuine community support behind a project, rather than trying to convince people it should happen," Olsen said. "In this case, Silver Mountain had already identified the need, gathered quotes, and brought together community partners. The challenge wasn't the vision; it was finding enough funding to make it feasible."

Silver Mountain Marketing Manager Gus Colburn said project organizers are still determining the final design and, with the grant secured, are still about $5,000 short of fully funding the project.

The project reflects Innovia's emphasis on strengthening communities through investments that encourage recreation, connection and access to shared public spaces.

"Healthy communities begin where basic needs are met and connection among neighbors is possible," shares CEO Shelly O'Quinn. "For 52 years, Innovia's grantmaking programs have strengthened our community fabric by uniting generous donors with nonprofits serving local needs. This year, we continue that legacy by investing in projects that build the stability and sense of belonging our communities need to thrive."

The Kellogg Project Uplift grant was one of six awards made to organizations in Shoshone County through the program. Other recipients included Avery School District No. 394, which received $7,500 for operational expenses for the Calder Early Learning Program; the Barnard Stockbridge Museum, which received $2,500 for its "A New Lens: Preserving Community Memory" project; Mining Heritage Exhibition Inc., which received $10,000 for historic mining exhibit restoration; Sierra Silver Mine Tour, which received $10,000 to continue mining education programs; and Wallace Music Festival Inc., which received $5,000 for its annual event.

Innovia officials said the Community Grants Program is funded through charitable funds established by donors to address local needs and emerging opportunities throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Funding priorities are shaped with assistance from local volunteer advisory committees and, this year, focused on projects that strengthen community stability and foster a sense of belonging.

According to Innovia, the Kellogg Project Uplift grant "will support the design and construction of outdoor community pickleball courts in Kellogg to increase access to free, year-round recreation and healthy social connection for residents of all ages in the surrounding community." Grant funds will be used for site preparation, materials, equipment and installation needed to create "a safe, accessible, and durable outdoor community space."