An Update On Platform Tennis Facility Planned At Dune Bird Winery

Paddle Courts of Leelanau (PCOL), the nonprofit organization looking to build a pair of platform tennis courts at Dune Bird Winery in Northport, has shared a report with members on the status of the project.

The Leelanau Ticker reported in February that PCOL was raising funds with hopes of breaking ground on the new courts sometime this spring. At the time, PCOL had been awarded both a donated court and a $25,000 grant from the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA), for a total of $50,000.

Platform tennis, alternately known as “paddle tennis,” is defined as “an outdoor racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball. It is called platform tennis because the court is raised off the ground, with heaters below the court to keep the playing surface clear of snow and ice, allowing the game to be played in almost any weather conditions.”

According to an email that the PCOL board of directors sent to members on Thursday, the organization is anticipating a $120,000 budget “for construction and first year operations.” Of that amount, PCOL currently has $80,000 in hand, along with “$30,000+ in pledged support.”

“As Spring rapidly turns to Summer, we are in the final stages of fundraising to get our first court constructed,” the email states. “At this point, we need to collect the remaining pledges, and we will be in a position to start construction. If you have pledged a membership or other support, please take action now and send your payments.”

In the meantime, PCOL is continuing to sell memberships on its website.