Courting the Community: Bocce Courts for a Better Portland

The Portland Bocce League Association, PBLA, was founded 25 years ago to bring this ancient Italian game to Portland, Oregon. In 2003, members raised $20,000 to build two bocce courts on public land in the North Park Blocks. The courts have been in continuous use since, maintained solely by volunteer league members for the benefit of both the league and the public.

PBLA offers year-round league play, with an extensive outdoor summer league as well as indoor fall and winter leagues. In partnership with Portland Parks and Recreation, we offer low-cost bocce classes to both adaptive learners and seniors. Our 100% volunteer-run organization sponsors free weekend skills clinics and multiple tournaments open to the public. Portland Bocce has long been a positive presence in Portland.

In 2010, the PBLA Board of Directors determined that to expand our public outreach, it was necessary to provide courts in a consistently safe, clean environment  Our two downtown courts provide no restrooms and parking is a challenge. The courts, at 60 feet long, are too short to help players develop the skills needed to take part in national bocce events. In short, the current courts do not support the growth of the league or the expansion of our mission.

We founded the PBLA Foundation in 2023 with the following Mission:

• To enhance and develop the sport of bocce for individuals of all ages and skill levels particularly to a specific segment of population of physically and mentally challenged youth and adults.
• To provide clinics, lessons, and tournaments teaching the rules and strategy of bocce.
• To build and maintain bocce courts to support the development of bocce in Portland.

League Membership is equally available to all, regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, age, or athletic ability.

Bocce Courts for a Better Portland: Capital Campaign

St. Philip Neri Catholic church in SE Portland has served the Italian American community in Portland since 1913, and until a few decades ago, they had bocce courts on their property. They suggested a partnership with PBLA to rebuild bocce courts. We have a site plan for 4 tournament-quality bocce courts on their property in SE Portland. These courts will allow us to offer more to Portland’s diverse communities.

We need your support.

• Our membership has enthusiastically embraced the plan for new courts. In the last 12 years, we have raised over $50,000 in small donations from our members.
• We have recently received a dollar-for-dollar matching pledge of $50,000 from Oregon Sports Action (OSA).
• We are a 501c3 non-profit (EIN: 88 3959920) so your donations are tax deductible.

These courts will allow us to expand our outreach and our teaching programs to bring bocce to new players, young and old, of all abilities. We plan to offer classes and fun play in a safe environment to adaptive learners, seniors, the general public, and Portland’s underserved communities. More bocce for a better Portland!

Your donation will allow us to not only have beautiful new courts in time for our 2025 Summer season, but it will also allow us to expand into underserved communities. Visit our website for more information at portlandbocce.com. Thank you for your support!

Three ways to make donations:

• PBLA Foundation, c/o: William Muchmore, Treasurer

  40 S Custer Street

  Portland, OR 97219

   

• Venmo: @PBLAFoundation

   

• Credit card link on website:

https://www.portlandbocce.com/donations

Thank you for your support!

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