Good Works Gazette – September 2026

Tepalo Pickleball Club

Back in 2018, local resident Rodger Ericson approached the principal of Santos Degollado Secondary School in Ajijic with an idea. The school had a covered concrete playground that sat unused during certain hours, particularly during the summer months. Ericson asked if he and a few friends could use the space to play pickleball when students were not using it.

The answer was yes. But it came with an unexpected offer. Instead of simply allowing chalk lines to be drawn on the court, Principal Raúl suggested painting permanent court lines. That small gesture marked the beginning of a partnership that has grown into a remarkable example of how recreation can benefit an entire community.

Rather than charging court fees, the pickleball group adopted a different model. Every player is asked to donate 50 pesos each time they play, with 100 percent of those donations going directly toward projects requested by the schools. Additional supporters contribute annual donations to help maintain and improve the courts, while others donate simply because they believe in the program, even if they never pick up a paddle.

The first project demonstrated how even a modest gift can have a lasting impact. The elementary school needed a refrigerator so children could keep their milk and donated food fresh until lunchtime. After delivering the refrigerator, volunteers discovered the room had no electrical outlet. The pickleball community hired an electrician to install the necessary wiring so the appliance could actually be used.

Since then, the list of improvements has continued to grow. The original painted court has evolved into a professionally finished playing surface with the same non-slip coating extended around the perimeter, making it safer not only for pickleball players but also for the students who use the playground every school day. The school always has first priority, and pickleball simply makes productive use of the facility during available hours.

Player donations have funded an impressive variety of educational and recreational needs. Last year alone, contributions purchased sports equipment, Spanish-English dictionaries, reading books, marching flags and drums, festival dresses, tumbling mats, a new metal bookshelf, and upgrades to school computers. Science students also benefited when six new microscopes were purchased for the school. Parents partnered in the effort by renovating the classroom workstations, creating a stronger science learning environment together.

Infrastructure improvements have been equally meaningful. In 2024, the pickleball community financed the construction of separate restrooms for boys and girls adjacent to the playground. The following year, they paid to connect those facilities to the municipal sewer system. They also funded repairs to the primary school’s sports equipment storage room, eliminating leaks that had caused mold and damaged athletic supplies. Most recently, students received a new FIFA soccer ball – a simple gift that was enthusiastically welcomed with cries of “¡Go México!”

The project is run entirely by volunteers, with two hillside schools serving as its beneficiaries. Every improvement begins with a conversation with school staff about what students need most, ensuring that donations are used where they can make the greatest difference.

The courts themselves continue to welcome players of all skill levels. During July and August, when school is out, they are available every day. Evening play is also possible thanks to court lighting, with players using quiet paddles out of consideration for nearby neighbors. Reservations are made in advance, since the courts are located inside a secured portion of the school grounds.

Perhaps the greatest success story isn’t measured in pesos spent or equipment purchased. It is the trust that has developed between local schools and a diverse community of players. Expats and Mexican residents alike have found common ground in a sport that has become a vehicle for giving back. What started as a request to borrow an empty playground has become a lasting partnership that improves educational opportunities while strengthening community ties.

Those interested in learning more, trying pickleball, or reserving court time may contact Rodger Ericson via WhatsApp at +1-512-497-0787. New players of every skill level are welcome, and every game played helps support local students.