May 6, 2020 at 10:19 a.m.
Pickleball group nears fundraising goal
Pioneer Park to have eight new dedicated pickleball courts by July 4
Pickleball group nears fundraising goal
Pioneer Park Pickleball Group spokesperson Maureen O'Melia said the finished project will feature eight courts, which resulted in Pioneer Park Pickleball adjusting its goal.
"Initially, it was six courts, then we realized that with a little bit extra, we could get eight courts in," O'Melia said. "And eight courts is ideal for tournaments and things like that that we hope to be hosting."
The group has raised 96 percent of the $106,000 for the project, with $4,000 remaining to reach the expanded goal.
"We're still doing fundraising and accepting donations," O'Melia said, noting that work got underway in April when the area was leveled and compacted in preparation for paving.
"They completed this first part last week and I think it was two to three weeks out to let this all settle," O'Melia said May 1. "The project completion date is July 4 and it's looking good to meet that."
The group used to hold pickleball lessons at the YMCA of the Northwoods before the Safer at Home restrictions brought them to a halt. They are also working with the School District of Rhinelander community education about offering lessons.
"We've sent in our lesson plans and that may be this summer, who knows, but next summer for sure we hope to have lessons for any individual that wants them," O'Melia said. "Young or old, it doesn't matter."
Unlike the tennis courts over by Rhinelander High School which also have markings to allow pickleball play, the ones at Pioneer Park will be the first courts built specifically for pickleball in the area.
"Three Lakes and Eagle River have some courts, but they still have some nets that are movable," O'Melia said. "Ours will be permanent, it's going to be state-of-the-art pickleball courts."
She said that the old tennis courts at Pioneer Park hadn't been used for over five years due to their deteriorated condition.
"People got used to going to the high school, those courts are beautiful," O'Melia said. "Now we'll have a designated pickleball area and a designated tennis area."
She noted that a true pickleball court is actually a junior size tennis court.
"So if a family did want to come out and play (tennis), it's a public park," O'Melia said. "Anyone who uses these courts to play on, whatever (racket) they have in their hand, (it's OK)."
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and while it has garnered a following among older people, younger players are picking up the sport as well.
"We have some younger players here, and they're good," O'Melia said. "They're so much quicker.
She said when she plays in tournaments in other areas, the median age is 40.
"Here, the recreational play, they're older, but if you look at tournaments and who the pros are, they aren't our age," O'Melia said.
She said that the sport lends itself well to social distancing.
"At the high school, we usually have three courts going," O'Melia said. "With eight courts, we can be scattered and still be very safe. And with our paddles, we're not that close to another player, otherwise we'd be hitting them. So it should be OK."
She said they would like to plan a tournament for sometime in August, but that depends on when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
"I don't see that happening right now," O'Melia said. "We hope to have an annual tournament. The Three Lakes one, they bring in thousands of dollars to that community."
O'Melia said the generosity that has gotten the project this far has been "unbelievable."
"The community support, the businesses and individuals, and mostly the Rhinelander area pickleball players, Wausau, Tomahawk, Eagle River, Three Lakes, I would say they were 70 percent of our funds," O'Melia said.
She said the donations were of all different sizes.
"We will be recognizing all donors on the courts," she said. "The $10,000 donor to the $5 donor."
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.