Plover’s Pickleplex: The Village of Plover is building 12 new pickleball courts in partnership with the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association. The project, supported by Sentry Insurance, is set to be finished in a few weeks and will host its first big tournament in July during Celebrate Plover!
A Major Addition for Local Recreation
This is Plover’s first facility made just for pickleball. Village Administrator Steve Kunst said the original plan was for six courts, but the community’s passion for the sport led to more.
“We said six courts seems like an appropriate Village-scale project but the group said ‘we’d love to have 12.’ So we said let’s design it for 12 and if you can fundraise for the other six let’s make it happen.” – (Steve Kunst)
With help from sponsors like Sentry Insurance, the full plan moved ahead. Once complete, the courts will provide a full season of pickleball this summer and fall.
Dedicated Courts for a Fast-Growing Sport
Plover has some courts lined for both tennis and pickleball, but Kunst said that shared spaces don’t work well for the sport.
“We have always tried to create courts that are multi-purpose. Our tennis courts are also lined for pickleball. We found that doesn’t really work for pickleball and there is enough demand here locally across all ages.” – (Kunst)
Although he doesn’t play himself, Kunst has gained an appreciation for the game during the process.
“It [can be played] by kids all the way to seniors. They can play with minimal impact on their bodies, but still get exercise. It’s a lot of fun and the game is really quick. You can get through a competition really efficently.” – (Kunst)
Looking Ahead to Celebrate Plover!
The first major use of the new courts will be during the village’s Celebrate Plover! event in July. A multi-day tournament is planned as a kickoff to what organizers hope will be a long run of community use.
Growing the Sport and Bringing People Together
Plover’s investment shows how fast pickleball is growing across all age groups. By creating a place to play, the village is giving more residents a reason to be active and socialize. With high local interest and the new courts ready soon, pickleball may become a big part of summer life in Plover.
News in Brief: Plover’s Pickleplex
Plover is building 12 new pickleball courts with help from the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association and Sentry Insurance. The project will finish in weeks and debut during Celebrate Plover! in July. This is the village’s first space built just for pickleball, supporting its rising popularity among all ages.
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