We have purchased the land next to the Clark/Lincoln Soccer Fields through a loan from FVSB.

KSC’s Grassroots Initiative is to have a carve out of our full vision of the facility to get a portion of it on the ground and get youth and adult programming started while we continue to raise funds to build the rest of the envisioned facility. The initial build will include 4 dedicated pickleball courts, 2 tennis courts and a roll-out turf field.  The turf space would help Knox County have its own winter soccer area and allow for archery use and party space. It is the goal to open the space from 3:30-6:00 pm for afterschool programming for 10-18 YO youth (hopefully funded through grants for youth programming) and to allow for adult access through a 24hr entry system for the courts and turf. The space will also be accessible to the homeschooling communities and KC schools for PE class use and practices through School Memberships. Here is what we are doing to get this initiative started:

2025

·       We had a Cooking Class fundraiser in February 2025

·       We are reaching out to local businesses to each give a little to help get this project started

·       We applied for grants to help get the facility built, Walmart Spark Goods has given us a grant of $2000.

·       We started a Youth Pickleball League to get our youth engaged in more physical activity.  This was sponsored by GSH and was a great success!

·       Held a Cash Raffle fundraiser on October 1, 2025; $2860 raised after payouts.

‍ ‍ 2026

  • Spring Youth Pickleball League from 4/12/26-5/17/26 with tournament on 5/31/26. Sponsors: GSH ($1000), Smith Electric ($500), The Halter Group ($500), FVSB ($250), Helm’s Orthodontist ($100)

  • Grants for Toyota, USA Pickleball, USTA Venue and more, Proposal for the Grow IN Health and Wellness

  • Youth Tennis League which will include Junior Team Tennis and skills sessions, red ball school demonstrations. Plan for this to start After 5/25/26 and go up to 8/7/26. Sponsors: USTA MicroGrant ($6000), The Halter Group ($500), FVSB ($250), Helm’s Orthodontist ($100), GSH ($200), and USTA Midwest Education Grant ($5000).

  • Summer Small Kids (3-8 YO’s) tennis and pickleball skills sessions planned

  • Fall Youth Pickleball League is hoped to be from mid August through September 2026

  • Cash Raffle planned again for 10/1/2026 with a goal of selling 1000-2000 tickets to raise $20,000-$40,000 before payouts.