The city of Lapwai, Idaho, is located on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and serves as the tribal government seat for the Nez Perce Tribe. Lapwai suffers from generational and situational poverty, which can wreak havoc on the physical and mental health of its residents. The town also needs facilities that proactively encourage physical, mental and social activities, which can reduce vandalism and recreational drug abuse.
The Lapwai Tennis Court Resurfacing & Pickleball Development Project is helping meet that need. Partnering with multiple community organizations including Lapwai School District #341 and the Nez Perce Tribe, they sought to resurface three existing tennis courts by the City Park and repurpose one of those courts into two pickleball courts, creating a place for community members to come together to play sports. With the help of a $25,000 Innovia Foundation Community Grant to Lapwai School District, they were able to turn that dream into a reality.
The centrally-located, new and improved recreational courts will bring more people outdoors and giving them space to exercise together as a community, which has benefits not only for the body but for the mind and soul.
