Jackson County Visitor Center Executive Director Arann Banks, left, presents a $16,000 check to Nancy Sterling, center, a member of the Brownstown Pickleball Association, and Gregg Goshorn, president of the Brownstown Town Council.
Erika Malone | The Tribune
The Jackson County Visitor Center board of directors presented funds for its fall 2023 developmental grants during a meeting Wednesday.
The Brownstown Pickleball Association and the Seymour Museum Center received funds.
A developmental grant is a 1:1 funding match assistance to nonprofit groups, cities, counties or public organizations for new projects or enhancements designed to have a direct impact on Jackson County and tourism.
The Brownstown Pickleball Association was awarded $16,000 toward its plans to build four pickleball courts on a piece of land recently added to the town park at 905 W. Bridge St.
The funds will go toward the association’s goal to raise $108,000 for the construction of the pickleball courts. The association board is currently at $78,000.
Nancy Sterling, a member of the Brownstown Pickleball Association, said eventually, they hope to build a shelter house, restrooms and a parking lot as part of a second phase of the project.
“We have been really fortunate with the community,” Sterling said. “They have really come through with donating to this cause, and people are really excited about it.”
Gregg Goshorn, president of the Brownstown Town Council, said the town is acting as the fiscal agent in this project.
“The town has been very appreciative with the process and working with our parks department,” Goshorn said. “We hope to see an influx in tournaments and visitors with this project.”
The Seymour Museum Center received $4,000 to purchase dividers to split a room inside the center for meetings.