Recreation is a vital component of a healthy community. Umatilla Electric Cooperative is proud to support athletics and recreation across our service territory.

Umatilla Electric representative presents a donation check for pickleball courtsFrom the Blue Mountains to the Columbia River, our region is full of UEC members who enjoy getting outside and engaging in activities.

Earlier this month, Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director, Brandon Artz, was presented with a check to fund updates to the community’s pickleball courts. Phil Hamm, District 4 Director, was present to award the check and shared enthusiasm for the project.
Here are some fun facts about pickleball found in the April issue of our Ruralite Magazine (shown in the photo):
  1. Pickleball was created just north of us in Bainbridge Island, Washington when 3 dads were finding new creative ways to entertain their families.
  2. The sport has grown 11.5% annually in the last 5 years with that growth projected to continue.
  3. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, the once-niche sport attracted 36.5 million players in 2022.
Curious about getting into the sport? Contact Hermiston Parks and Recreation about the Hermiston Pickleball Club!