A new project in Waterloo is turning one man’s journey into a chance for the whole community to connect and play. Led by local resident Jose Jaramillo, the Waterloo Handball Initiative aims to bring a public handball court to Byrnes Park, making this accessible, lifelong sport available to everyone.
For Jose, this initiative is deeply personal.
“I was first introduced to handball during a difficult time in my life – when I was incarcerated,” he shared. “I wasn’t a great player by any means, but the game gave me something to focus on and a way to stay active. I liked how it brought people of all backgrounds together.”
After serving his sentence, Jose struggled for years with substance abuse and felt stuck before making the choice to turn his life around. He got sober, enrolled in college, started his career as a diesel technician, and began working toward goals he never imagined possible.
“Remembering how much handball helped me both mentally and physically inspired me to start this project,” Jose explained. “I hope it can have a similar impact on others, especially youth, by encouraging them to stay on a positive, healthy, and successful path.”
The proposed court will be located at Byrnes Park. Handball is known for being affordable and inclusive. It requires only a ball, a wall, and a willingness to play, making it a sport that cuts across age, background, and income level.
“The game is for everyone,” Jose added. “I look forward to seeing this project take off, watching players develop, and giving people another reason to spend time competing and having fun in our parks.”
But even beyond the court, Jose’s message is about hope and possibility.
“Even if this project doesn’t go the way I hope, I won’t be disappointed, because one of the biggest wins already happened: I engaged with the city. They heard me. We sat down, we planned, and they understood me. That means a lot. I want to encourage others, whether they’re struggling with addiction, bad habits, or just feeling stuck, to believe that they can turn their lives around too.”
To make this vision a reality, Jose is actively fundraising for the project. By sharing his story and inviting community members to give, he hopes to build not just a court, but also a stronger sense of connection and opportunity across Waterloo.
Donations to the Waterloo Handball Initiative will go directly to Waterloo Leisure Services to support the construction of the court and make handball accessible to the whole community.
Gifts to the Waterloo Handball Initiative Fund can be made online at https://wloocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3244. Checks can also be mailed to the Waterloo Community Foundation, PO Box 1253, Waterloo, IA 50704. All checks can be made out to the Waterloo Community Foundation with “Waterloo Handball Initiative” in the memo line.
