Pickleball dreams in Red Wing, Minnesota come true as the pickleball fans have something to cheer about. After years of effort and fundraising, the city will open its first permanent pickleball courts at Colvill Park next week. The six new courts, situated along the Mississippi River, mark a significant moment for the town’s growing pickleball community.
A Milestone for Red Wing’s Pickleball Players
The “inaugural play” is set for Tuesday at 11 a.m., and the excitement is noticeable. Positioned between marinas and next to the aquatic center, the new pickleball courts offer a scenic backdrop for the festivities.
Longtime pickleball advocates David Anderson, who introduced the sport to Red Wing in 2008, and 92-year-old Denny Yecke, the city’s oldest player, will be among the first to step onto the courts.
From YMCA Courts to a Permanent Home
For years, the Red Wing Pickleball Group, including members like former police chief Tim Sletten, relied on makeshift courts at the local YMCA or schools. Sletten, who discovered pickleball after retiring a decade ago, and his fellow enthusiasts were determined to find a permanent place to play.
Faced with an estimated cost of $350,000 from a city feasibility study, the group took it upon themselves to raise the necessary funds. Their dedication paid off—hundreds of thousands of dollars later, the dream of having dedicated courts became a reality.
Ahead of Schedule and Ready for Play
The new courts, initially planned for completion in 2025, have opened ahead of schedule, reflecting the determination and community support behind the project. Following the inaugural games, players and supporters will gather for food and celebration at the nearby Colvill Park Courtyard building.
News in Brief: Pickleball Dreams in Red Wing
Red Wing, Minnesota, is set to open its first permanent pickleball courts next week at Colvill Park. After years of playing on borrowed courts, the Red Wing Pickleball Group, led by former police chief Tim Sletten, raised the funds necessary to build six courts along the Mississippi River.
The courts will officially open with an “inaugural play” event on Tuesday, with longtime players David Anderson and 92-year-old Denny Yecke among the first to play. The project, originally scheduled for completion in 2025, finished ahead of time thanks to community support.
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