River City Pickleball’s $500,000 contribution to a new complex at Ben Hawes Park was formally added to the city’s budget Tuesday, as the Owensboro Board of Commissioners approved an amendment that also included funds for a land purchase.
The move officially incorporates the pickleball club’s donation into the budget. Under the agreement with the city, the club was responsible for contributing $500,000 toward construction of the complex.
“As construction is drawing near, we need to add that revenue, because we’ll have offsetting expenses once construction begins,” Pagan said.
Alex Ross, who has helped lead the effort for River City Pickleball, said the project has been years in the making.
“This project has been a true exercise in patience, but it has been rewarding to see it develop into a long-term solution for the continually growing pickleball community,” Ross said. “All while, developing an incredibly collaborative relationship with the City Parks department.”
RCPC executed its agreement with the city in December 2023 and began design work with Lose Design in April 2024. A volunteer design committee of club members submitted recommendations in June 2024, followed by renderings and cost estimates from Lose Design in September. By October 2024, a fundraising committee of volunteers began securing naming rights sponsors and developing a member campaign, which ran through August 2025.
Ross said fundraising momentum has been strong.
“We are so excited to have received 13 generous corporate and private pledges for court naming rights so far, with only five more courts left,” he said. “These groups will be integrated into the facility itself and be shown as true supporters of City Parks and the pickleball community for many years after the facility is completed.”
Ross noted that once contractor bidding opens with the city, RCPC will launch its member fundraiser to complete its $500,000 commitment — and possibly more.
“We feel very confident in raising our $500,000,” Ross said. “But we want to do right by the City and local community as a whole, by raising more if we can to further support this public/private partnership.”
Ross said the effort has been fueled by collaboration and community support.
“It feels wonderful, just because it has been a lot of work and collaboration with many stakeholders. But besides that, I’m just so happy for the overall pickleball community,” he said. “They’ve been so understanding and patient through this whole process. These types of projects take time and they’ve been nothing but supportive. And the City has been a great partner through it all.”
The partnership also ensures the facility will remain open to the public, Ross added.
“Because of the extensive fundraising on the part of RCPC, members will enjoy preferential days and times for leagues, clinics, and tournaments. But I must stress that this will always be a public facility for anyone to play on,” Ross said. “RCPC welcomes members and non-members, beginners or advanced, alike to enjoy this incredible community accomplishment.”
Ross credited Paula Hayden and Guy Durham for their support, and said the project would not have advanced without the leadership of volunteer committees. The design committee was co-chaired by Rick Lancaster and Amy Hartz, while the fundraising committee was co-chaired by Jeremy Edge, Drew Cunningham, and John “Bubba” Shown.
Ross said the club’s ultimate goal is to make Owensboro a major hub for pickleball in the region and beyond.
The budget amendment passed on its second reading Tuesday.
More details about the pickleball project can be found here.
