Chippewa Valley’s Pickleball Season: Members of the Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club spent Saturday morning preparing McDonough Park and Gower Park for the pickleball season. About 60 volunteers cleaned the parks and set up 30 pickleball courts with nets and wind screens to get ready for warmer weather.
The group started early at McDonough Park. They cleaned the area, set up 12 pickleball courts, and made sure everything looked ready for play. After finishing there, the volunteers moved to Gower Park in Lake Hallie, where they prepared 18 more courts for public use.
Helping the Community Get Active
While preparing the courts, volunteers leaf-blowed, raked leaves, and cleared debris. Their work was part of the Amazing Eau Claire Clean-Up project, though they started early due to good weather and excited players.
The Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club, also known as CVPC, often helps with community projects like this. They focus on keeping parks clean and making sure pickleball spaces are welcoming for everyone.
Players Share Their Love for Pickleball
Several members shared how pickleball has helped them stay active. Linda Bradley said, “It is getting people of all ages to move. We are getting exercise every day and we are having fun while doing it.”
Bradley and her husband, both retired, enjoy pickleball together and like meeting new people. “It is something you wake up in the morning and look forward to doing,” Bradley said.
Bev Hilton said she first started playing for exercise but now loves the sport. “It’s enjoyable, it’s easy to learn and it’s not expensive,” Hilton said. “Fortunately we have a lot of facilities in the area especially outdoors.”
She added that pickleball is also a way to give back. “We have done a shoe recycling, we clean up the park and volunteer at the marathon,” Hilton said.
Cheryl Mathwig pointed out how welcoming the sport is. “The environment around the game is so welcoming,” she said. “Every member is ready to embrace any new players.”
Pickleball Brings People Together
Club members noted how popular pickleball has become. The courts are often full, and the game attracts players of all ages.
Karen McDermott, president of CVPC, said, “It doesn’t just benefit the club, it benefits the city of Eau Claire, it benefits the people to have this really nice place to come and play.”
She added that the courts are for everyone, not just members. “We are seeing more and more people pick up a paddle,” McDermott said. “We are seeing more families come out with their kids or grandparents with their grandkids. That’s what is really fun for us, just seeing the community come together.”
News in Brief: Chippewa Valley’s Pickleball Season
The Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club gathered on Saturday to clean and set up 30 pickleball courts at McDonough and Gower Parks for the season. Volunteers shared how the sport keeps people active, builds friendships, and brings the community together. The club hopes to keep welcoming new players and supporting local events.
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