Plains pickleball courts see progress

Pickleball is closer to becoming a bigger reality in Plains with the construction of two outdoor courts at the Amundson Sports Complex.

TW Fencing of Trout Creek spent three days last week placing 270 feet of fencing around the two future courts. Kelly Altmiller, president of the Plains Pickleball Association, said they hope to have the courts ready for play once they get the court surfacing and nets in place in the spring.

"The members of the PPA are extremely excited that we were finally able to break ground on this project," said Altmiller. "It's nice seeing people come together for this project. We feel that this project will provide the community with a healthy exercise option while bringing people together socially," said Altmiller. The Plains Pickleball Association (PPA) is a nonprofit organization that was established in March of last year by 20 volunteers.

The group originally planned to have the courts at the site of the old tennis courts in Plains at what is now called the Greg Welty Memorial Park. Altmiller said it would have been a more centralized location, but after hearing reports of noise complaints and possible lawsuits by residents living nearby there, the PPA decided to look for a new location. The Wildhorse Sports Association (WSA), the nonprofit organization that operates the Amundson Sports Complex, had planned to construct a restroom project at the court site, but instead the WSA voted to utilize the space for the pickleball courts and decided to chip in money for the project.

"This was a difficult decision to make. We approached WSA about the possibility of building courts at their facility and they were extremely receptive and even provided PPA with a $20,000 donation, matching the amount PPA has earmarked for the initial phase of the court construction," said Melissa Brown, PPA's vice president.

"We felt like the bathroom project was going to be out of reach given the requirements from DEQ. We reached out to the original major donors for that project and they all gave their blessing to move forward with different projects - including with helping put pickleball courts in," said Erika Lawyer, president of the WSA. "I think it is going to be a great addition to Amundson Sports Complex. They will bring in a different segment from our communities to enjoy the space. The more people we have out there playing, the more awareness there is of how great a space it is to recreate," she said.

Tyler Williams, owner of TW Fencing, and his crew, Billy White and Tim Carter, finished the fencing job last Wednesday. The three-day project included six-foot tall fencing on three sides and an eight-foot fence on one side. TW Fencing also did some fencing work on the Thompson Falls pickleball courts last spring. Altmiller said the fencing cost just under $13,000 and was the result of fundraisers of 2024 and 2023, along with a donation from WSA. She said they are now raising funds for the spring surfacing and net installation, which is about $15,000.

Von Construction of Plains did all the groundwork and the paving of the two 44x20-foot courts in late September and early October. Von Construction hauled in 390 tons of three-quarter minus crushed gravel for the base, said Doran VonHeeder, owner of Von Construction. The crew followed up with 72 tons of half-inch driveway mix.

The total cost to install the two pickleball courts was approximately $66,000, according to Altmiller, who added that the group is looking to hold more fundraisers this winter and spring, but they haven't made any solid plans. "Our final goal will be four completed pickleball courts, so we will have the ability to host small tournaments and events," said Altmiller. She also said that anyone wanting to learn pickleball could attend their beginners night at the Alliance Church from 6-8 p.m. every third Monday. "It is our hope to continue to host beginner nights where community members can come learn about pickleball and enjoy the new courts," said Altmiller. The PPA has an annual membership fee that goes toward supplies, maintenance, insurance and other costs associated with the organization.

"Plains Pickleball will have an active part in the use of the courts as time will be reserved by being members of their club, much the way our youth soccer, baseball and softball groups use the space," said Lawyer. "By joining Plains Pickleball and paying a small use fee, the insurance will be covered for those members and it will help to pay for port-a-potties on sight," she said.

She noted that the complex is run on volunteer help and financial support from advertisers and donations by community members and businesses, and that all players pay a use fee through their associations to help defray all the costs of keeping the complex running. "We welcome community groups to rent the space for functions and they can do that by reaching out to us on either of our social media platforms (FB or IG) or by calling 406-544-8493. Those who would like to make a tax-deductible donation can send it to the Plains Pickleball Association, P.O. Box 999, Plains, MT 59859.

"We feel this will be a tremendous asset to our community as pickleball is a community sport that is appropriate and fun for players of all ages," said Altmiller.