Houghton Lake, MI – The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce its latest grant to support community wellness and recreation, this time by helping Houghton Lake Pickleball Club (HLPC) players take a well-earned break between matches!
With the help of a $1,025 grant from the Roscommon County General Fund and the Linda Chwan & Ken Deperro Memorial Fund, HLPC recently installed two 8-foot Polywood benches on their courts. Whether it’s a moment of rest for senior players, recovery time during scorching summer days, or simply a chance to chat between sets, the new benches offer a much-needed comfort zone for one of the county’s fastest-growing recreational groups.
The HLPC formed six years ago, shortly after the installation of six dedicated pickleball courts in Houghton Lake. Today, the club boasts approximately 150 members, sees an average of 50 players daily during summer, and regularly fills all 28 on-court spots, with dozens more waiting in the wings. Thanks to the new benches, those players now have a place to relax, rehydrate, and recharge.
Pictured L-R: HLPC President Tracey Haggard, RCCF Past President Diane Nielsen and HLPC Board Member Kathy Bush.
“We were thrilled and honored to receive benches that are beautiful—and a drinking fountain—from the Community Foundation,” shared Tracey Haggard, HLPC President. “Our dream is to get more and continue to grow.”
Denton Township also lent a hand by anchoring the benches securely to the concrete staging area near the courts. It’s just another example of how partnerships throughout the county continue to fuel community-led recreation.
HLPC doesn’t just play the game, they give back too. The Club hosts three tournaments each year, offering up healthy competition and highlighting local nonprofits. At their most recent event on June 7, donations were collected for Oasis House of Hope. Membership is just $25 annually, proving that fun and fitness are within reach for everyone.
This is not the first time RCCF has stepped up to support HLPC. In Spring 2023, a $2,000 grant helped fund the installation of a drinking fountain, made possible by the Roscommon County Health Improvement Endowment Fund, Weede Family Community Recreation Fund, and the Roscommon County Recreation Fund—ensuring players stay refreshed while serving up their best game.
RCCF is proud to partner with groups like HLPC who create spaces for active living, community engagement, and good, old-fashioned fun.