From opening with 27 members to a current membership of nearly 450 players, Cedar Falls Pickleball Club in Iowa demonstrates how focusing on what some would call the basics has been the key to the clubs’ growth.
Building Out the Courts to Keep Up With Demand
When the club officially cut the ribbon on eight pickleball courts in 2018, they knew in a short amount of time they needed more due to the incredible enthusiasm for the game. The club collaborated with the city on fundraising to add eight more pickleball only courts that draw players from around the area and beyond.
How Sponsor Levels Helped Raise $500,000
Past President of the CFPC, Doug Bonwell, says local businesses were eager to come on board with the project, it just took some outreach.
“We contacted organizations and individuals and laid out our plans. It was easy for them to see the value in becoming part of this and we also crafted sponsor levels to recognize the donors who helped make this happen,” Doug says.
The sponsor levels helped to frame the donations as well as encourage larger donations. Levels included naming rights for new plaza, benches and courts named after donors and signage at the entrance of the park with names of contributors. As a result of their efforts $500,000 was raised to help improve the pickleball facilities.
Members Help Shape a Facility Built for the Neighborhood
Part of the collaboration included CFPC members acting as consultants on features and materials. Ensuring those closest to the facility and who would use it the most proved incredibly beneficial for the end result.
Since the park is in a residential neighborhood, club members wanted to keep the sound low for residents and added sound reducing fencing. They also ensured sun shades and upgraded water fountains were included along with landscaping and other features that beautify the club.
“Our members take pride in the area and spend hours cleaning and maintaining the courts and surrounding park areas,” says Doug. He adds the club will soon be part of the Cedar Falls Adopt-A-Spot program and receive official recognition for their work.
Pickleteers Welcome and Teach New Players
The club prides itself on being a fun and welcoming place for all. As such, every weekday morning since 2021 Pickleteers can be found on one or two courts ready to help new players learn and get comfortable with the game. Pickleteers are experienced pickleball playing volunteers ready to answer questions about rules of the game, how to hold a paddle, serve legally and anything else. The goal is to get them more comfortable on the courts. Doug says they routinely have four to eight people on these courts learning the game.
Affordable Membership With Member-Only Hours
As community courts, they are open to the public and membership does have its privileges. For $25 a year, members can enjoy exclusive members-only hours from 7:00 – 10:00 AM. While these hours are designated for members, there has yet to be anyone who has been told they can’t play. Non-members simply need to reserve a court through the city or show up and wait their turn.
The Hartman Summer Showcase Puts Cedar Falls on the Map
An annual highlight for the club is hosting the Hartman Summer Showcase named after Jane and John Hartman who brought the game of pickleball to Cedar Falls.
The tournament started in 2025 with 240 people playing and a total payout of $10,000. In only it’s second year, the tournament grew to 350 entries with players from 15 different states, three countries and a payout of $15,000.
A Tournament Built for Every Skill Level
CFPC tries to encompass every player who wants to play by including a youth division for players ages 8-16 that included a scramble, DUPR divisions starting at 3.0 through 5.0+, senior divisions, singles and gender and mixed doubles.
Every player pays $5 for the tournament software the club uses that sends text messages to players throughout the day that lets them know when they are playing, bracket information etc. Entry fees are tiered with discounts for multiple events and cost-savings for early sign-ups.
Doug says while the tournament does raise money for the club, the main goal is to host a great tournament, have fun and help put Cedar Falls on the map.
A Club That Plays Year-Round
Cedar Falls Pickleball Club has created a space people want to be through thoughtful planning and intentionally building community. Even during the winter months, club members continue to play together on indoor courts locally and connecting in Florida and Arizona.
Why Players Keep Coming Back
Through welcoming beginners and high-level players alike, organizing social events off the courts, offering volunteer opportunities, and even monthly newsletters promoting club events, there is no doubt why the courts are full of players of all ages, and the club continues to grow. Cedar Falls Pickleball Club has built a place people want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members does Cedar Falls Pickleball Club have?
Cedar Falls Pickleball Club opened with 27 members and has grown to a current membership of nearly 450 players.
How many courts does Cedar Falls Pickleball Club have?
The club cut the ribbon on eight pickleball courts in 2018, then collaborated with the city to add eight more pickleball-only courts, for a total of 16.
How did Cedar Falls Pickleball Club fund its court expansion?
The club worked with the city on fundraising and created tiered sponsor levels. Donors received naming rights for a new plaza, benches and courts, and signage at the park entrance. Those efforts raised $500,000 to improve the facilities.
How much does membership cost at Cedar Falls Pickleball Club?
Membership is $25 a year. The courts are open to the public as community courts, and members get exclusive members-only hours from 7:00 to 10:00 AM.
What is the Hartman Summer Showcase?
It is the club’s annual tournament, named after Jane and John Hartman who brought pickleball to Cedar Falls. It started in 2025 with 240 players and a $10,000 payout. In its second year it grew to 350 entries from 15 states and three countries, with a $15,000 payout. Divisions include a youth division for ages 8-16, DUPR divisions from 3.0 through 5.0+, senior divisions, singles, and gender and mixed doubles.
Who are the Pickleteers at Cedar Falls Pickleball Club?
Pickleteers are experienced volunteer players who help new players learn the game every weekday morning. Since 2021 they have been on the courts to answer questions about the rules, how to hold a paddle, how to serve legally, and anything else that helps beginners get comfortable.
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