Umatilla says, ‘Pickleball, anyone?’
By Terry Murry on Friday, October 16th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
UMATILLA – The city of Umatilla is celebrating a grant from the Wildhorse Foundation that will breathe new life into the aging tennis courts in the McNary neighborhood. The $30,000 grant will allow them to be converted into pickleball courts.
City officials say that while the courts have served the neighborhood for decades, they need significant rehabilitation. The funding will allow the city to preserve an existing recreation asset while creating new opportunities for multigenerational recreation.
“This project is especially meaningful to me because I remember these courts being here when I moved to McNary in 1995,” Parks and Recreation Director Esmerelda Perches said. “They have been a part of this neighborhood for a long time and they are ready for a major facelift.”
Perches added that the new courts will appeal to all ages, thus bringing multiple generations together “to recreate, connect, and have fun.”
The Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Tribal government agencies, Native American charitable organizations, and national or regional Indian organizations are also eligible. Since it was established in 2001, the Wildhorse Foundation has awarded more than $20 million dollars in grants.
More information is at Home | Wildhorse Foundation.
