Peak Credit Union Launches $500,000 Donation Match Challenge to Help Build Regional Pickleball Complex at Lane Community College

Peak Community Challenge will match donations leading community support for up to $1 million combined fundraising for the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation

EUGENE, Ore. and LACEY, Wash., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Peak Credit Union and the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation (EVPF) today announced a major partnership supporting the development of a planned 24-court regional pickleball complex at Lane Community College, anchored by a $500,000 commitment from Peak Credit Union.

EVPF is leveraging Peak's investment to launch the Peak Community Challenge, matching community donations dollar-for-dollar through December 31, up to $500,000. The challenge creates the opportunity for Peak's commitment to help catalyze as much as $1 million in combined support toward bringing the facility to life.

Key Project Highlights:

• $500,000 committed by Peak Credit Union to help build a regional pickleball facility.
• Matching challenge for community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million in total fundraising.
• The facility will host 24-courts, including 2 championship courts and 10 covered courts.
• Estimated by Travel Lane County that one regional tournament could stimulate over $2.5 million in local economic activity.

The planned complex is envisioned as much more than a place to play. Located on land contributed by Lane Community College near Interstate 5, the facility is intended to expand access to recreation for people of all ages and abilities while creating a new gathering place that supports physical health, social connection and community well-being. The project has also received significant public support, including $500,000 approved by Lane County voters and $750,000 pledged by the City of Eugene.

"Our roots in this community run deep, and becoming Peak hasn't changed that commitment. Rather, it has strengthened our ability to act on it," said Dr. David Tuyo II, CEO of Peak Credit Union. "This investment is about creating a place where people can connect, stay active and belong. By putting $500,000 behind this project and inviting the community to join us, we have an opportunity to turn one investment into something even greater and help build an asset that can serve Lane County for generations."

The investment continues a legacy of community support established by Northwest Community Credit Union, now part of Peak Credit Union following the organizations' merger with TwinStar Credit Union. Community investment has remained central to the combined credit union's mission across Oregon and Washington, with Peak Credit Union using its increased regional scale to further support the local communities that shaped both legacy organizations.

"Peak Credit Union's generous partnership comes at exactly the right moment, helping turn our vision for this project into reality. Through their support and the Peak Community Challenge, every donation, large or small, will be matched, doubling the impact of our community's generosity." said Joel Halberg, Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation Board Member. "This partnership arrives during another year of tremendous growth for pickleball, both locally and nationally, and the demand for public courts has never been greater. Bringing this 24-court complex to life will deliver lasting benefits for our community's health, wellness, and economic vitality for generations to come. On behalf of the EVPF Board, thank you to Peak Credit Union for their outstanding community leadership and support."

Demand for pickleball facilities has grown rapidly in Eugene-Springfield, where EVPF says the area's 18 dedicated public courts can see as many as 40 people waiting to play. The proposed complex is designed to address that demand while creating capacity for regional tournaments and events. The project team anticipates construction to start following completion of fundraising and permitting activities.

The potential benefits extend into the local economy. A preliminary analysis by Travel Lane County estimates that a single large regional tournament attracting 600 overnight attendees and 1,500 day attendees could generate approximately $2.5 million in direct business sales and indirect spending, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses.

As part of the partnership, Peak will serve as the facility's long-term financial services partner. The proposed Peak Credit Union Pickleball Complex at Lane Community College name remains subject to final approval by Lane Community College.

Community members and organizations interested in participating in the Peak Community Challenge can learn more and contribute through the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation at evpickleballfoundation.com.

About Peak Credit Union: Peak Credit Union is the unified organization formed by TwinStar Credit Union and Northwest Community Credit Union. With more than 250,000 members and $4 billion in assets, Peak serves individuals, families, and businesses across Washington and Oregon. Founded by educators and millworkers, the member-owned, not-for-profit credit union is rooted in a legacy of service and community. Peak supports local impact through classroom grants, youth enrichment programs, school supply drives, college scholarships, financial education, and initiatives to empower members and build belonging in the communities that they serve. For more information, visit peakcu.org.

About Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation: Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and promoting pickleball throughout the Eugene-Springfield community and beyond. The Foundation is developing a state-of-the-art 24-court pickleball complex at Lane Community College designed to provide opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels while supporting youth programs, community recreation, tournaments and regional events. For more information, visit www.evpickleballfoundation.com.

SOURCE Peak Credit Union