Sparkling cider and champagne were on hand last Wednesday, Sept. 9, as a crowd of about 40 pickleball players gathered at O’Malley Park in Polson to celebrate the groundbreaking on three new courts with a ceremonial “first dink” over an improvised net.

“This is a moment that we've been waiting a while for,” said Polson Pickleball Club president Randi Targerson. “Foremost, I want to thank all of our donors because this wouldn't be happening if it weren't for everybody that has donated funds towards this project over the last couple of years.”

The project, which will double the number of pickleball courts in O’Malley Park from three to six, has been underway since 2024, when enthusiasts established the nonprofit Polson Pickleball Club and began fundraising to expand the existing space.

Secretary/treasurer Lauri Sutil says the club held an annual gala and posted advertising banners at the existing court, paid for by local businesses. They’ve received donations from the Greater Polson Community Foundation and individuals, including “total strangers that don't even come here and play and have heard about it and have sent us money.”

Local pickleball enthusiasts are the mainstay, having pitched in time and money for the project and helped with upkeep of the facility.

The three new courts will be constructed just north of the existing courts. Pickleball player Ron Fricker has volunteered his time as the project’s general contractor, and 406 Paving will prep and pave the new courts. Sutil said they will be slightly wider than the current courts to allow dividers in-between for a “little more safety and less running around chasing the ball.”

Sutil noted that legendary Polson tennis coach Bob Hislop has offered to paint the asphalt and lines on the new courts. “He's been a great champion for us,” she said.

Pickleball is a popular sport that originated in 1965 as backyard game for kids. The marriage between tennis and table tennis has grown exponentially in the past three decades, especially as seniors began to pursue the easy-to-learn sport.

It’s also caught on with youngsters. Sutil said the club’s annual pickleball camp in July attracted 24 kids.

For Sutil, who has played for several years, pickleball is a friendly way to compete and get some exercise. “It's comfortably social,” she said. “Pretty much you can come here and people really want to make you feel welcome.”

“We'll find people to play with you no matter what,” she added. “That’s kind of been our whole mantra with our club.”

In addition to locals, Sutil said tourists flock to the courts each summer. Eagle Nest RV Park, west of town, also has three outdoor courts, but charges a fee for access.

Sutil expects the new courts will be ready for play next spring, once the weather warms enough for the asphalt to be painted.

Typically, the existing courts are full during the summer season, with 12 people playing (four per court) and another 12 to 18 waiting for access. Sutil is confident the new courts will ease some of the strain.

“We’ve had a waiting list every year,” she said of the O’Malley Park facility. “So next year will be amazing – we'll be able to have all of these courts filled.”

    Polson Pickleball Club secretary Lauri Sutil and president Randi Targerson address a crowd of pickleball players last Wednesday, who had gathered to toast the groundbreaking for three new courts. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)