A community fundraising effort allowed for the complete renovation of Central College’s tennis courts earlier this month, on the heels of a new videoboard and football turf installed this summer.

The project was fully funded by many alumni, community members and city partners. A celebration honoring the donors is planned for 2025. The six courts just west of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium were torn out in August by Midwest Tennis & Track Company and finished in November. A new concrete foundation was laid for the first time since the courts were originally built in 1991 and it will be the first new surface on the courts since 2008. If the weather cooperates this spring, the courts could host their first competition when the Dutch women host Truman State University (Mo.) on March 19th.

In the spirit of the college’s Imagine More initiative, the tennis courts also can be converted into 12 pickleball courts as local interest in that sport continues to grow. Vice President for Athletics Eric Van Kley says that he’s thrilled that this project was able to be completed for not only the college, but for the entire community.

“That’s what we’re the most excited about, that this is not just a Central College project, that this is a Pella community project. And as you mentioned, our Imagine More initiative is really deepening those relationships and opportunities for the broader Pella community. So, six tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts that can be used by community members, basically when weather allows, and especially during the spring, summer and fall. So, super excited about the pickleball opportunities for the broader community and tennis for our own student athletes.”

Fundraising continues for future facility renovations and enhancements for baseball, softball, men’s and women’s golf and men’s and women’s soccer. To learn more about the projects contact Sunny Eighmy, vice president for advancement at 641-628-5272, or Van Kley at 641-628-5422. To make a gift, visit central.edu/give select “athletics.”