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Valley City's new 6-court pickleball complex is your ticket to an energizing workout and numerous health benefits.
We’re excited to complete Valley City’s newest addition to our recreational facilities: a brand new 6-court pickleball complex featuring acrylic surfacing, 25’x25’ shade shelter, 10’ walkway, picnic tables, and wind screens. Located at Hi-Line Park and open and free to everyone, the courts offer a fantastic new way for our community to stay active, have fun, and connect with one another. Completed in the fall of 2024, it is also located in the "Recreation Hub" of Valley City, near places like the Outdoor Pool, Hanna Field, Charlie Brown Memorial Field, Hi-Line baseball and softball diamonds, the Youth Sports Complex, Jefferson loop walking path, and the Hi-Line Prairie Gardens and Orchard.
"With the increase in pickleball participation in Valley City and many conversations in the last few years about a pickleball-exclusive facility, we’re excited to see this project come to life. We are thrilled to provide a space where residents of all ages can come together, stay active, and enjoy parks and recreation. It's a great opportunity for us to enhance our recreational offerings and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for everyone in Valley City."
-Tyler Jacobson, Executive Director
America's Fastest Growing Sport
Pickleball has taken the nation by storm, and Valley City is no exception! As one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, pickleball’s popularity is skyrocketing among all ages. Its appeal lies in its accessibility—it’s easy to learn, fun for beginners, and still offers plenty of competition for seasoned players. Recognizing the rising interest both nationally and locally, we wanted to provide a dedicated space where Valley City residents can enjoy this low-impact sport, which is excellent for cardiovascular health and offers a unique way to stay fit without the strain of high-impact activities.
Health Benefits
Pickleball is popular for many reasons, especially its health benefits and accessibility to players of all fitness levels. Here are some of the top reasons why this sport is so beneficial:
Great for Cardiovascular Health: Playing pickleball keeps you moving at a moderate intensity, increasing your heart rate and improving circulation. Just 30 minutes of play can boost cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and help reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Low-Impact Exercise: Pickleball is a low-impact sport that’s easy on the joints, making it an ideal activity for people who want a workout without the intense stress of high-impact sports. This is especially beneficial for older adults or those with joint concerns, as it allows for a full-body workout without causing joint strain.
Improves Agility and Coordination: The quick movements required in pickleball can improve reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Studies show that sports involving rapid movement patterns can help improve both motor skills and cognitive function as we age.
Mental Health Boost: Like other sports, pickleball promotes the release of endorphins, which improve mood, reduce stress, and support mental health. The social aspect of pickleball—playing with friends, joining a league, and meeting new people—enhances these benefits and helps combat feelings of loneliness.
Burns Calories: For those looking to stay fit, pickleball is a great option. A moderately intense pickleball game can burn between 250 and 350 calories per hour, making it a fun way to stay active and manage weight.
Getting Involved
Open Play: The pickleball courts are free and open to the public. Anyone can head over to practice their serve, check out the game, and even join others in friendly competition—all in a welcoming, judgment-free environment and with no prior experience needed.
Pickleball Leagues: Looking ahead, the new pickleball courts offer exciting potential for outdoor leagues during the summer. Valley City Parks and Recreation is considering seasonal leagues that would bring players together weekly for structured games, social gatherings, and a bit of friendly competition. Summer leagues would give both beginners and seasoned players the chance to enjoy the sport in the warm weather, fostering an active community and creating a fun seasonal tradition right here in Valley City. In the meantime, pickleball can be played indoors at the Gaukler Family Wellness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as at the Rec Center for Pickleball league on Monday nights.
Tournaments: With the addition of the new pickleball courts, Valley City has a fantastic opportunity to host tournaments that could attract teams from all over North Dakota. These tournaments would bring together players of all skill levels, creating an exciting and competitive environment that showcases the sport's popularity while also supporting our local businesses!
We encourage everyone to take advantage of this new facility, whether you’re looking to try something new or join in on friendly competition. With its low-impact nature and social atmosphere, pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and meet new people. So grab your paddle and come join us for a fun workout!
Funding
These new courts wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Valley City Visitors Committee, which contributed $200,000, and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, which provided an additional $150,000. Valley City Parks and Recreation has been proactive in securing grants to fund community-driven projects, and by pursuing external funding, we’ve been able to bring more resources to Valley City, reducing our reliance on property taxes and lifting the burden on local taxpayers.
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