Northfield Pickleball Association’s Expansion: The new Northfield Pickleball Association is asking the City of Northfield to build more pickleball courts and improve existing ones. The group officially formed last month with bylaws and a board of directors. As of Thursday, they had 90 members and are looking to grow that number even more.
Growing Pickleball Interest in Northfield
Pickleball combines tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Players hit a wiffle ball over a low net using paddles. The game has specific rules, including how players serve and where they can stand. Northfield player Susie Fischer explained one important part of the game.
The sport has grown quickly in the U.S., especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study from the Association of Pickleball Professionals, nearly one in five American adults played pickleball at least once last year.
Forming the Group and Setting Goals
Northfield Pickleball Association President Bill Seeberg said pickleball works well for people of all skill levels. While hundreds of people in Northfield play the sport, the city currently only has space for 16 pickleball players at once.
In comparison, around 200 people can play soccer or baseball at any one time. Among 63 Minnesota cities of similar size, Northfield ranks 53rd for the number of pickleball courts.
Player Feedback Helps Guide Plans
Susie Fischer said local players used to play at Bridgewater Elementary and the middle school. A few years ago, the city added four outdoor courts at Riverside Lions Park.
Bill Seeberg sent the survey to 115 known players and got 90 replies. It asked about age, how often people play, and what they would improve if they could.
The top answers were to add more outdoor courts and fix the ones at Riverside Lions Park. An indoor facility came in third. Other ideas included court fencing, lighting, windbreaks, signs, shade, and trash cans.
Next Steps for the Association
The Northfield Pickleball Association wants to show city leaders that there is strong interest in new courts. The Northfield City Council is working on a long-term plan for Sechler Park, and Bill Seeberg hopes new courts will be part of that plan.
The group now has 180 people on its mailing list. There is no cost to join. To see the game in action or try it, players are usually active at Riverside Lions Park between 9–11 a.m. or 3–5 p.m., according to survey data from the association.
News in Brief: Northfield Pickleball Association’s Expansion
The Northfield Pickleball Association is asking the city for more and better courts. With 180 people on its mailing list and growing interest, the group hopes to guide future park plans and meet demand for this fast-growing sport. New courts could be added to Sechler Park.
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