Athletic Barn volunteer partnership benefits Habitat for Humanity

COLUMBUS — When Mike and Julie Koch retired in New Ulm, they recognized a need for an indoor sports facility where people of all ages could gather, stay active and connect with one another.

Rather than creating a business focused solely on profit, the couple envisioned a community- centered facility that could remain financially sustainable while also giving back to local nonprofit organizations.

That vision became the Columbus Athletic Barn.

“Our goal has always been to create a place that serves the community,” Mike Koch said. “We wanted the Athletic Barn to be more than just a sports faci l ity. We wanted it to become a place where people could come together while supporting organizations that make a difference in Colorado County.”

One way the Columbus Athletic Barn fulf i l ls that mission is through its volunteer staffing model. Volunteers can select a local nonprofit they want to support whi le helping with the faci l ity’s dayto- day operations. In return for their service, the Athletic Barn makes a donation to the selected organization.

As a board member of Colorado County Habitat for Humanity, Mike Koch invited fellow Habitat core volunteers and board members to participate by working halfday shifts at the facility.

David and Lin O’Connor, Scott Mattingly and Nancy DeLeon answered the call, donating their time to help operate the Columbus Athletic Barn while supporting Habitat’s mission of providing affordable housing.

“As a retired person I was happy to help Mike and Julie get their venture going. Their offer to donate to Habitat was a win-win situation,” former Colorado County Habitat for Humanity Construction Supervisor and Executive Director Scott Mattingly said.

“We became friends with Mike and Jul ie through Habitat and liked the idea of ‘working’ at CAB in exchange for community donations,” David O’Connor said. “It is fun to interact with the Colorado County community at CAB.”

In recognition of the volunteers’ service, Mike and Julie Koch recently presented a $2,500 donation to Colorado County Habitat for Humanity.

“ We are incredibly grateful to Mike and Julie for their vision, generosity, and commitment to our community,” Colorado County Habitat for Humanity Board Secretary Doris Klaus said. “The Columbus Athletic Barn is more than a recreational facility — it is a place where people invest in their neighbors.”

Klaus also recognized the volunteers for their work beyond the Athletic Barn.

“ We are especial l y thankful to Mike, Julie, David, Lin, Scott, and Nancy,” Klaus said. “Not only do they volunteer their time at the Athletic Barn, but they are also among the first to step up at our bui ld sites, fundraisers, and board meetings. Their dedication and servant hearts are helping strengthen our community in countless ways.”

The partnership between the Columbus Athletic Barn and Colorado County Habitat for Humanity will continue with Habitat’s inaugural Pickleball Palooza: Play for a Purpose Sept. 18-19 at the Athletic Barn.

The two-day tournament will welcome pickleball players of all skill levels for competition while raising money to support Habitat’s work providing affordable homes and critical home repairs throughout Colorado County.

The event will feature round-robin and bracket play, food and drinks, cornhole, golf simulator contests, a bucket raffle and other activities. Proceeds from registrations will benefit Colorado County Habitat for Humanity.

“We couldn’t think of a better place to host our first Pickleball Palooza,” Klaus said. “Mike and Jul ie have created an incredible community asset, and we’re excited to partner with them to bring people together for a weekend of fun while raising funds for a great cause.”

For more information about Pickleball Palooza, volunteering or supporting Colorado County Habitat for Humanity, contact the Habitat office at 979-732-5677 or visit HabitatColorado-County.org.