PELLA— 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.
           
Sophomore Emma Murphy (Liberty, Mo.) of the Dutch women's tennis is excited for what the new courts will bring.
           
"These courts are definitely at the top of the conference," she said. "They are something to be proud of and something to look forward to playing on this spring."
           
In the spirit of the college's Imagine More initiative, deepening the college and community of Pella ties, the tennis courts also can be converted to 12 pickleball courts as local interest in that sport continues to explode.
           
"It's exciting for not just Central College but also for our local community," Eric Van Kley, vice president for athletics, said. "Adding the ability to create access for pickleball is a direct response to a community need."
           
If the spring weather in Iowa cooperates, the courts could host their first competition when the Dutch women host Truman State University (Mo.) March 19.
           
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."