Pickleball Courts Coming to Dubuque: As winter approaches, pickleball enthusiasts in Dubuque are set to enjoy a new facility that will keep their passion for the game alive. The Five Flags Center, located at 405 Main St., is preparing to unveil eight indoor pickleball courts on November 2, providing a local option for players during the colder months.
Community-Driven Initiative
The inception of these indoor courts is rooted in a family’s love for the sport. Five Flags General Manager Aaron Rainey shared that his enthusiasm for pickleball sparked the idea of introducing this facility. His thoughts turned to how many residents might appreciate an indoor option as the winter chill sets in.
“We’re just really excited for this. We want to do something for the community, with us being a civic center,” Rainey said. “My team and I are excited to bring this to Dubuque.”
Court Reservations and Pricing
To play on the new courts, players will need to make reservations, as the facility requires this for all usage. Each court will be available for $25 per hour. Additionally, players must complete a waiver, which can be accessed on the reservation website. Generally, courts will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., although this will vary based on other events at the venue. For reservations, players can visit fiveflags.pickleplanner.com.
Potential Drawbacks and Local Dynamics
While the introduction of indoor courts is exciting, some local players express concerns regarding the reservation system. Barb Blaser, a member of the Dubuque Pickleball Club, noted that courts must be reserved with a prearranged group of four players, which may not suit everyone’s needs.
The club typically utilizes the Peosta Community Centre during winter, where players can reserve courts for open play without needing a predetermined group. This flexibility allows for a more spontaneous and community-oriented experience.
“It’s great that we have the option at Five Flags,” Blaser acknowledged. “But for smaller groups, it might not be as convenient outside our regular play times in Peosta.”
A Convenient Alternative for Local Players
For many Dubuque residents, the new indoor courts at Five Flags represent a more convenient alternative during the colder months. Previously, players had to make longer drives to Peosta for indoor play. Now, local enthusiasts can keep their games alive without the hassle of long commutes.
For Diane and Steve Breitbach, members of the Dubuque Pickleball Club living just across the bridge in Wisconsin, the proximity of the new facility is a welcome change. Having traveled to Peosta for their winter games in the past, the new courts offer a significant advantage.
“I’m pretty sure the participation will be pretty strong (at Five Flags),” Steve Breitbach remarked. “I think a lot of people would rather stay in Dubuque than go out to Peosta, but it will depend on what kind of membership or hourly fee they’re going to charge.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Coming to Dubuque
Dubuque is set to open eight indoor pickleball courts at the Five Flags Center on November 2, providing local players with a winter option. Reservations are required at $25 per hour, and players must complete a waiver. While the new facility offers a convenient alternative, some concerns arise about the need for prearranged groups of four. The Dubuque Pickleball Club typically plays at the Peosta Community Centre, where players enjoy the flexibility of open play. Local residents, including the Breitbachs, are optimistic about the new courts but await details on fees and membership.
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