Muskego Pickleball Court Controversy: Pickleball players in Muskego, Wisconsin, are speaking out against a proposal by the Muskego-Norway School Board that would use community-raised funds to convert high school tennis courts into pickleball courts. The original plan, led by the Friends of Muskego Pickleball Club, aimed to build new courts at Moorland Park.
The proposed funding would include $300,000 from the club and $200,000 from the City of Muskego. The change in location has caused concern among local players, who say they were not expecting their donations to be redirected to the high school.
Club Members Want Dedicated Courts
Kara McElligott and Vicki Esser, who play pickleball at Lion’s Park, say the city lacks enough courts to meet demand.
We want more pickleball courts,” said Kara McElligott.
“That’s all we want is more pickleball,” added Vicki Esser.
They said the plan to convert the high school tennis courts doesn’t solve the problem. Esser shared her opinion directly:
“No, I don’t like playing on tennis courts.”
Concerns About Limited Access
Players are worried about sharing the space with Muskego High School’s tennis program. Heidi Steenbock explained the issue clearly:
“We can’t be there when the high school is going on and we play in the daytime.”
Tammie Samborski, whose daughter plays on the high school tennis team, is also concerned.
“I’m all for collaborating but it becomes a safety issue. When they are in class is it happening at the same time,” she said.
Samborski also said the school should focus on supporting tennis, since pickleball isn’t a school sport.
“We don’t have a pickleball court or team with the school right now. We really should be supporting our tennis team. We have the boys and the girls coming out and participating.”
Push to Keep the Courts in the Park
Many pickleball players believe the original plan to build at Moorland Park is the best option.
“We want Moorland,” said Vicki Esser.
The Friends of Muskego Pickleball Club had raised thousands of dollars expecting to build there. They feel that the city park location would offer more access and fewer conflicts.
City and School Still in Talks
Muskego Mayor Rick Petfalski said the proposal showed up on the school board’s agenda before he had met with district officials. He said those meetings are now scheduled for next week to decide whether putting pickleball courts at the high school is even possible.
News in Brief: Muskego Pickleball Court Controversy
Muskego pickleball players are upset over a school board proposal to use club funds to convert high school tennis courts instead of building new courts at a park. The plan faces opposition from both players and school sports supporters. City and school leaders will meet to review the next steps.
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