USA Pickleball Serves, the charitable arm of USA Pickleball, today announced the recipients of its 2026 Play It Forward Grants, awarding funding to two community-driven projects that will expand access to pickleball and create new opportunities for recreation, connection, and healthy living. The two organizations will each receive $25,000 to help bring their court renovation or construction projects to life.
The 2026 grant recipients are Pickleball Iowa County in Williamsburg, Iowa, and the City of Hillsboro in Hillsboro, Kansas. Both projects will support the construction of new dedicated outdoor pickleball courts designed to serve players of all ages and skill levels while helping meet growing demand for places to play in their communities.
“At USA Pickleball Serves, we believe pickleball has the power to strengthen communities and create meaningful opportunities for connection,” said Jose Moreno, CMO of USA Pickleball and Executive Director of USAP Serves. “The Play It Forward Grant program helps remove barriers to court development and ensures more people have access to the physical, social, and mental health benefits that come from playing the sport. We’re excited to support two projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities.”
Bringing Dedicated Courts to Iowa County
Pickleball Iowa County will use grant funding to support the completion of four permanent outdoor pickleball courts within the Williamsburg Recreation Complex. The new facility will provide Iowa County residents with their first dedicated outdoor pickleball courts and create a hub for open play, leagues, clinics, youth programming, and community events.
Community participation has already demonstrated significant growth, with local indoor pickleball participation increasing from approximately 25 players during the winter of 2024-25 to more than 100 players during the winter of 2025-26. The completed facility is expected to serve between 500 and 800 individuals annually.
The courts will be owned and maintained by the City of Williamsburg, ensuring long-term sustainability while providing free public access for residents and visitors.
Expanding Recreation Opportunities in Hillsboro
The City of Hillsboro will receive funding to support the construction of five dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at the Hillsboro Sports Complex. The project is designed to create a welcoming, accessible recreational space that supports residents of all ages, with a particular emphasis on providing low-impact fitness and social opportunities for older adults.
Located within an existing community sports complex, the courts will feature ADA-accessible design elements, seating, and lighting while supporting a variety of future programming opportunities, including leagues, clinics, tournaments, youth activities, and community events.
City leaders anticipate the courts will serve as a vibrant community gathering space that encourages intergenerational play, social connection, and healthy lifestyles for years to come.
Investing in Communities Through Pickleball
The USA Pickleball Serves Play It Forward Grant awards funds to community organizations and/or schools that are installing or converting pickleball courts to increase court access and development of the sport. Through USA Pickleball Serves, the program focuses on projects that promote inclusion, healthy living, youth engagement, and opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience the game.
The 2026 Play It Forward Grant recipients reflect the growing demand for dedicated pickleball facilities in communities of all sizes and the important role courts play in creating spaces where people can connect, compete, and build lasting relationships.
For more information about USA Pickleball Serves and its community impact initiatives, visit usapickleball.org/serves.
