About Us
Who We Are
The Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association (HOWPA) is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting pickleball throughout Central Wisconsin. Our board and committees work year-round to expand playing opportunities, support facility development, and bring people together through this fast-growing sport.
We are actively:
- Securing official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
- Launching ongoing fundraising initiatives
- Partnering with local municipalities and organizations
- Supporting indoor and outdoor court development
- Growing programming for beginners through advanced players
If you’d like to get involved, please reach out — we’d love to connect!
Our Story
In 2020, local pickleball players in Stevens Point and Plover advocated for new public courts as none existed at the time. Both communities responded by restriping existing tennis courts to help meet initial demand.
Between 2020–2021, local players raised $61K to support the development of a dedicated pickleball complex. Rettler Corp. was hired to design a 12-court facility, but the project was paused due to funding limitations.
In 2022, the City of Stevens Point converted two tennis courts into six dedicated pickleball courts, which quickly became a community hub. Later that year, the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association (HOWPA) was founded to lead advocacy, fundraising, and organized play.
Since then:
- Funds grew to $207K between 2022 and 2025
- HOWPA organized tournaments, leagues & training programs
- New partnerships formed with SentryWorld for indoor pickleball play and events
- The Village of Plover revived the 12-court complex proposal as part of a larger project for improvements at Lake Pacawa Park
- Construction estimate: $2.1M
- Village funding: $1.3M
- Additional grants received:
- $25K from Plover CVB
- $500K from Sentry Insurance Foundation
HOWPA continues to champion facility growth, player development, and community connection.
Since then:
- Funds grew to $207K between 2022 and 2025
- HOWPA organized tournaments, leagues & training programs
- New partnerships formed with SentryWorld for indoor pickleball play and events
- The Village of Plover revived the 12-court complex proposal as part of a larger project for improvements at Lake Pacawa Park
- Construction estimate: $2.1M
- Village funding: $1.3M
- Additional grants received:
- $25K from Plover CVB
- $500K from Sentry Insurance Foundation
HOWPA continues to champion facility growth, player development, and community connection.
Mission & Purpose
HOWPA’s purpose includes:
- Supporting physical and mental health through pickleball
- Creating informal and organized playing opportunities
- Improving and constructing pickleball facilities
- Raising public & private funds for local court development
- Promoting a positive culture of play
- Partnering with local government, organizations, and businesses
