New pickleball courts are coming to the Fieldale Recreation Center, funded in part by a $25,000 grant from The Harvest Foundation’s PUP Small Grants program.
“The Harvest Foundation’s investment in new pickleball courts in Fieldale is about more than just the sport — it represents a meaningful commitment to the community,” said India Brown, program officer at The Harvest Foundation. “By expanding recreation opportunities and creating welcoming spaces, this project helps strengthen community ties, promote healthy living, and provide residents of all ages with a place to gather, connect, and enjoy being active together.”
This investment is part of Fieldale Heritage Inc.’s vision to enhance community health, connection, and vitality by modernizing the historic Fieldale Recreation Center and Pool complex.
“We’re incredibly grateful to receive the $25,000 PUP grant, which allows us to transform a basketball court into three pickleball courts,” said John Garland, president of the Fieldale Heritage board of directors. “This project is a huge win for the Fieldale community. It promotes active living, encourages social connection, and provides a much-needed recreational outlet for residents of all ages. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and now Fieldale will be part of that movement. This investment will not only revitalize an underused space, but also brings people together in a fun, healthy, and engaging way. “
Garland is also a partner in the Martinsville-Henry Historic Collective, renovating historic properties across the community, and an engineering staff member of Garland Properties.
Fieldale Heritage Inc. has already raised an additional $6,000 from local sponsor Ace Northwest Hardware to assist with fencing and court surface improvements. Strategic partnerships with the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, MHC After 3, and local churches will ensure that the new courts are used for youth programming, intergenerational events, and league play.
The new pickleball courts are expected to be completed by this summer and will join a growing list of upgrades at the Fieldale Recreation Center, including the recently restored public pool, the only one of its kind still operating in Martinsville-Henry County.
For more information about the project or to get involved, follow the Fieldale Recreation Center on Facebook.
(Photos: Harvest Program Office India Brown (at left) and John Garland on the current tennis and basketball courts at the Fieldale Recreation Center in the top photo and current tennis and basketball courts at the Fieldale Recreation Center in the bottom photo. Courtesy of the Harvest Foundation.)
