The association has grown to more than 60 members, who communicate to decide when and where to play. Members often play at Veterans Park in Fairmont and Fairmont Elementary School, among other locations. Membership costs $25 for an individual and $40 for a household, and youth membership is free.
FAPA President Craig St. John said the association brings together groups that formed over the years into one core group. "That's a major accomplishment and we are happy that happened," St. John said. The group says it aims to promote recreational and competitive play, community events, instruction and advocacy for accessible indoor and outdoor courts.
The association's goals include reaching 100 members by the end of the year, offering pickleball clinics, organizing two leagues and holding one youth introduction to pickleball event. It also hopes to welcome members from Martin County, Faribault County, Iowa and beyond. "We'd really like it to be a four to five-county organization reaching all the towns within reasonable driving distance," St. John said.
On Aug. 24, the Fairmont City Council unanimously approved moving forward with construction plans for pickleball courts at the Fairmont Soccer Complex-Jeffery Kot Fields. Welcome recently introduced pickleball courts at Hansen-Keck Park. FAPA Secretary Tari Brandt said players would also like to see an indoor facility "so we can play year-round."
The association's website is under construction.
