The city of Murray and the Murray Pickleball Association are happy to announce that Saputo USA , on behalf of their Murray-based employees, has made a significant financial contribution to the new Murray Pickleball Complex that will be located on the current Field Five in Central Park.

Saputo, a Top 10 global dairy processor, has had a manufacturing site here in Murray, Ky. since 2013 And is proud to employ approximately 345 people. Tim Thurmond, President of the Murray Pickleball Association, has announced that Saputo has generously committed to a donation of $50,000 to assist in the construction of the Murray City Park’s new pickleball facility.

Thurmond stated, “Our community is fortunate to have such a civic minded corporation like Saputo. The MPA appreciates our new relationship”.

This level of donation will warrant a 10-year “court naming right” in the Saputo name. Their logo will be prominently displayed on the windbreakers of one of the courts.

Jody DeWitt, HR Manager & Patrick Zimmerman, Plant Manager of Saputo – Murray, is seen below presenting the check to the Murray Pickleball Association. Those included in the photograph are left to right, Chad Wortham-MPA Secretary, Johnny Bohannon-Park Committee Chairman, Jody DeWitt, Tim Thurmond-MPA President, Patrick Zimmerman, Mike Sykes-Park Director, Donna Tervo-MPA Treasurer, Grant Rudolph-Park Committee Member, James Osborne-City Administrator.

Additional funding is needed to get the project across the finish line. Donations can be made by local corporations for naming rights. Also, individuals can donate smaller levels by going to the MPA website murraypickleball.org or gofundme.com

Josh Vernon of Urban Fabrics is currently in the planning stages of this new construction. A city bidding process for general contractors will follow. A goal remains to begin construction in the fall of 2024.