A Rhinelander area group is far enough along in its fundraising to make plans to build eight new pickleball courts in the city's Pioneer Park.
Dave Havel is a spokesperson for the Pioneer Park Pickleball group. They launched a fundraising campaign last fall with the hope of raising enough money to replace the aging tennis courts at the park with the fast-growing sport of pickleball.
He says they've made great progress toward a construction fundraising goal of $104,000..
"...So our goal all along has been to raise this money so we can construct these eight pickleball courts this year as part of the overall improvement to Pioneer Park. The good news is that to date we've raised approximately $82,000 of the $104,000 so that is the great, great, news..."
Havel says construction will begin when the frost leaves the ground. The city has removed the courts and fencing from the tennis courts. Havel says while the courts are designed for pickleball, youth tennis could still be played on the courts. But Havel says they're going to make a last push to get the remaining money they need. Their hosting a fundraiser at Pat's Tavern in May, and other requests...
"...We have some grants that were hopeful about. We're going to be approaching the community with letters to businesses and individuals looking for those additional dollars to get to our goal of $104,000..."
Pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It's played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. It's played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
The group has a website rhinelanderpickleball.net where there's more information.
