New Ulm Pickleball Community Rallies: When Lincoln Park’s pickleball court closed for renovations, it left local players scrambling for an outdoor venue. Fortunately, New Ulm Public Schools stepped up, allowing pickleball enthusiasts to utilize their tennis courts until the construction wraps up.
Community-Centric Decision
Superintendent Sean Koster was approached by school staff who play pickleball, and he took the idea seriously.“Our community is allowed to play tennis there at any time,” Koster said. “Putting extra tape down [for pickleball], how intrusive would that be to tennis? How much traffic are we talking? I talked with Pat Lang, our facilities director. I talked with Michelle Miller, the middle school principal who governs the grounds and everything to make sure everything was kosher there.”
Koster consulted with key staff members, including Pat Lang, the facilities director, and Michelle Miller, the middle school principal, to ensure that everything would be manageable.
Temporary Pickleball Haven
On a Tuesday morning, four of the six courts at New Ulm Middle School were buzzing with pickleball players. The tennis courts have transformed into a temporary pickleball haven while Lincoln Park’s pickleball court undergoes renovations.
“Everybody gives in to the school district, we need to be able to give back to the public,” he said. “Sometimes that’s in facility spaces, and sometimes that’s in courts like this being available when other community resources are unavailable.”
Meeting Growing Demand
Laura Schotzko, an active member of the local pickleball scene, has gathered a mailing list of 70 players. She knew it was crucial to find a venue that could accommodate multiple courts simultaneously.
“It’s easy to set up two courts anywhere with portable nets,” Schotzko said. “I started thinking ‘Where could we play where there’s at least three or four courts?’ This is the best place I could think of. We’ve been putting tape on since right after Memorial Day.”
The morning hours have become prime time for Schotzko’s group, with four courts consistently occupied by enthusiastic players. She noted that afternoon sessions are also popular, and various groups within New Ulm participate regularly.
A Growing Community
Having played pickleball for over five years, Schotzko has witnessed remarkable growth in the sport.
“When I started it was this group,” Schotzko said. “Now there’s so many more and families show up. A retired couple brought their grandson to Lincoln before it was closed down in the spring to introduce them to it. I heard them say, ‘You can do this in retirement.’ The kid was like ‘I love pickleball.’”
Looking ahead, Schotzko envisions a second outdoor pickleball court in New Ulm to accommodate the sport’s rising popularity. She highlighted a dedicated fund within the Park and Rec department where community members can contribute to facility improvements and expansions.
As renovations continue, the spirit of the pickleball community in New Ulm shines brightly, proving that even temporary setbacks can lead to lasting connections and growth.
News in Brief: New Ulm Pickleball Community Rallies
When Lincoln Park’s pickleball court closed for renovations, New Ulm Public Schools stepped in, allowing local players to use their tennis courts. Superintendent Sean Koster supported this community-centric decision, ensuring minimal disruption while providing access to facilities. Since Memorial Day, the tennis courts have become a temporary pickleball haven, with four of six courts regularly buzzing with activity. Local player Laura Schotzko has rallied 70 players, emphasizing the need for multiple courts. The pickleball community in New Ulm continues to grow, with families participating and plans for a second outdoor court on the horizon. Despite temporary setbacks, the spirit of the pickleball community remains strong, fostering connections and enthusiasm for the sport.
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