St Cloud CC Opens New Pickleball Courts: The St. Cloud Country Club (SCCC) has opened its latest addition—a set of new pickleball courts—marking the most recent phase of its substantial renovation project. This latest development is part of a broader $1.5 million renovation effort that has transformed the country club over the past two years.
The newly inaugurated pickleball courts, which opened their doors on June 22, have quickly become a hit with members. “It was full down there last week every morning,” club General Manager Denise Lenaghan remarked, highlighting the swift uptake of the new facilities.
April saw the debut of several significant updates at the club, including renovated locker rooms, a revamped pro shop, new offices, a cards/meeting room, a digital golf simulator, and a rebranded clubhouse restaurant now known as The View. These changes were made possible thanks to two anonymous gifts totaling approximately one million dollars for the interior renovations and an additional half million for the pickleball courts.
“We’re very, very fortunate to have the amazing membership that we have, not just the member-donors, but the membership as a whole. They’re very supportive – a very tight-knit group – but also very welcoming to new members.” – (Lenaghan)
Club Growth and New Hires
Since her appointment in March 2023, Lenaghan, previously the GM of Granite City Food and Brewery in St. Cloud, has spearheaded these renovations. Patty Gaetz, who joined as the club’s membership and events director in December, has also contributed to promoting the newly updated amenities. Gaetz, with her background in wine and liquor sales, is excited about the club’s new offerings. “We’re working on pickleball leagues here,” Lenaghan said, signaling further expansion of the club’s activities.
Facility Enhancements
The country club, which has been serving The St. Cloud Country Club community since 1911, features an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor pool, a practice green, and a driving range. This season, the addition of front tee boxes has further enhanced the golf experience. Lenaghan highlighted the club’s ethos, stating,
“People that join the country club are joining as much for golf and networking that inclusivity that you get when you join a club.”
Tennis Courts Transition
The new pickleball courts have replaced underutilized tennis courts. Lenaghan noted there was no opposition to repurposing the tennis courts. She highlights a portion of the area could always be overhauled back, if demand for tennis reappeared, ensuring flexibility in the club’s offerings.
Expanding Pickleball Scene
In addition to the new courts at SCCC, pickleball enthusiasts in The St. Cloud area have several other options. Facilities include Central Park in Avon, Rivers Edge Park in Waite Park, Val Smith Park, Sta-fit and the Sartell Community Center in Sartell, and various locations in St. Cloud such as the YMCA, Calvary Hill Park, The Club-Total Fitness and Racquetball, and Whitney Recreation Center. Northern Paddles, a local pickleball club, schedules daily morning play at several of these locations. “The sport continues to grow in the area,” said Northern Paddles president Kurt Lemke.
Technological Upgrades
This spring also saw the introduction of the Trackman iO simulator, installed in what was previously basement office space. To accommodate the new tech, the foundation was cut 14 inches deeper. The simulator, installed by Rice Companies of Sauk Rapids, will see increased use during the offseason and rainy days. Club pro, Brady Engen frequently utilizes the simulator for club fittings.
“The technology uses infrared, doppler and a camera for its calculations; it’s the best one you can get. You hit into a screen off of a turf mat and the software is up ahead of you. There’s more statistics than you can shake a stick at.” – (Engen)
Final Touches
The renovations have also improved the club’s office space and pro shop functionality. Engen noted that despite the pro shop’s slightly reduced size, the overall space is “Overall it is much more functional, much cleaner and much more useful.”
With these updates, St. Cloud Country Club continues to elevate its status, offering members top-notch facilities and a dynamic environment for golf and pickleball.
News in Brief: St Cloud CC Opens New Pickleball Courts
The St. Cloud Country Club (SCCC) recently unveiled new pickleball courts, marking a key phase in its $1.5 million renovation project. Opened on June 22, the courts quickly gained popularity among members.
The renovations totaling $1.5 million, also include upgraded locker rooms, a new pro shop, offices, a meeting room, and a revamped restaurant, The View. Since her appointment in March 2023, General Manager Denise Lenaghan has led these changes, with additional support from Membership and Events Director Patty Gaetz. The club also introduced a Trackman iO simulator, enhancing its technology offerings.
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