Pickleball Project Moving Forward

Funding includes $20,000 grant from MCFF

One of McCook’s fastest growing sports is getting new courts. A Pickleball Improvement Project is moving forward at Russell Park. A local group of passionate pickleball players are leading the project. It includes expanding and resurfacing the current court to accommodate three full size pickleball courts and will include permanent netting, fencing and lighting.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. The racket/paddle sport is played by players of all ages and has several health and social benefits including improved mood and mental health, calorie burn, balance, agility, reducing health risks, and opportunity to make new friendships.

McCook’s pickleball athletes regularly play at the Ed Thomas YMCA, but they have outgrown the space and time available. In March 2021, the pickleball group joined several wellness minded community leaders looking to improve community health by increasing availability to exercise opportunities in McCook. This started the Wellness McCook Initiative. Pickleball was one of four lead projects, including the pool, ballfields and walking trails. The Ed Thomas YMCA renovation and an inclusive playground project have also been added to the Wellness McCook Initiative.

The group researched opportunities and funding sources for additional courts. Ultimately, Russell Park was identified; a plan developed and fundraising started. The group has received pledges for more than $51,000 for the project, in addition to a $20,000 grant from the McCook Community Foundation Fund. Total project cost is estimated at $80,000 with a completion date of late summer.

Brian Michaelis, Mike Roth, Christy Stevens, Cathy Kenny and several others have stepped up to lead the Pickleball Improvement Project. They are available to answer questions and take donations toward the project. Community Hospital Health Foundation is assisting with the receipt and distribution of funds for the project. Contact Community Hospital Health Foundation at 308- 344-7222 for more information.

The Wellness McCook Initiative is an action plan of McCook’s Communities of Excellence program. Community Hospital is one of the leaders in the Communities of Excellence and Wellness McCook Initiative. The Wellness McCook Initiative continues to meet regularly to facilitate progress with these projects. Representation includes: City of McCook, Community Hospital, Community Hospital Health Foundation, Elevate Wellness, McCook Community College/ Mid Plains Community College, McCook Community Foundation Fund, McCook Pickleball Group, McCook Public Schools, and Ed Thomas YMCA.

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Jan. 2026 Volunteer of the Month Devoted to Church and Community

By Ronda Graff • January 22, 2026

To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.